CISM 2nd World Football Cup – Muscat (OMA)

 

 

COMPETITION DAY 8 - QUARTERFINALS

 

 

MUSCAT (OMA) – After two deserved rest days for the eight qualified teams, the competition resumed yesterday in the Seeb Sports Stadium and the Sultan Qaboos Sports Stadium with the four quarterfinals.

 

Quarterfinal 1: Oman vs Mali – 5-0

 

 

The host country Oman was facing the Malian team for a game who seemed quite unbalanced. From the outset, Oman, booster by their numerous local fans, increased the pressure on Mali and scored the opener after only five minutes via the talented #10 Al Khaldi. Oman continued on its chosen path as #11 Al Mukhani doubled Oman’s lead 12 minutes later while #8 Al Lawati allowed his teammates to come back in the lockers with a 3-0 lead.

 

 

In the second half, Oman reduced the pressure but kept the control of the game and even managed to score two additional goals with #37 Al Mashari (85’) and again #Al Lawati (90’) for a brace. An easy qualification for the semifinals for the host country!

 

Quarterfinal 2: Algeria vs Egypt - 1-2

 

 

Algeria, quite impressive during the first stage of the tournament with three wins from as many games, was facing one the other favorites of the tournament, Egypt. It was a very technical and tactical game with numerous chances from both sides in the first half. The Egyptian players were more realistic than their opponents were in the first half as #9 Gad scored the opener with a stunner! The referee blow the half time on a 1-0 lead for Egypt. Nevertheless, Algeria didn’t gave up and even managed to draw level 6 minutes after the start of the first half with #22 Hamia’s equalizer.

 

 

The 90 minutes ended on a 1-1 draw as both teams missed several opportunities to score the winning goal. So the game headed to overtime with 30 additional minutes of play. The game was intense and both teams were close to score but #22 Youssef waited until the last minute to score his third goal of the tournament and put a dramatic end to the overtime game. Egypt was the second qualified team for the semifinals!

 

Quarterfinal 3: Qatar vs Bahrain – 0-0 (0-0 AET, 4-2 Penalty)

 

 

In the third quarterfinal of the day, Qatar was facing his neighbor Bahrain for an expected explosive derby. However, the game was disappointing for the spectators who could not enjoy any goal during the 90 minutes and the 30 minutes of overtime despite some big chances missed from both sides. Therefore, it went to the penalties and the goalkeepers were given the opportunity to show their skills. The Qatari goalkeeper showed out to be the strongest on the pitch.

 

 

As the second Qatari player's shot rebounded off the crossbar, the Qatari goalkeeper stopped the penalty of Bahrain. The #20 from Bahrain missed the fourth penalty of his team and gave the opportunity to Qatar to end up the game with a decisive shootout! Moreover, the #5 Ndifon from Qatar did not miss his chance to send his team to the semifinals!

 

Quarterfinal 4: GERMANY VS SYRIA - 1-2

 

 

The last quarterfinal of the day saw the opposition of Syria and Germany, the surprise guest of the semifinals. The valiant German team started the game the best way possible as #4 Dick converted a penalty conceded by Syria. The game was quite open, with several chances from both sides. Syria was controlling the game but was not able to score the equalizer and the referee blew the half time on a 1-0 lead for Germany.

 

 

Only 14 minutes before the end of the game, #99 Al Waked scored another penalty after a German foul in the box. The game seemed to head to overtime but on one of the last corners of the game, the same #99 Al Wacked luckily touched the ball that finished in the Germans nets. A big disappointment for Germany who did not deserved such a cruel end. Nevertheless, Syria was qualified for the semifinals with a big clash against Qatar scheduled!

See you in two days on January 26 for two very exciting games!

 

SEMIFINALS’ SCHEDULE (26-01-2017):

 

• Oman vs Egypt – 17.00 (local time) – Sultan Qaboos Sports Stadium

• Qatar vs Syria – 20.30 (local time) – Sultan Qaboos Sports Stadium

 

For more information, please visit the official website of the second CISM World Football Cup Organizing Committee: www.cismoman2017.om or their official Facebook page: CISM Oman 2017.

 

For the livestreaming of the games, click here: Oman TV or here: Oman Sports TV

 

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)

(Pictures:  Eddy Kellens, CISM Photographer - Jonathan Verhoeft, CISM Photographer)