Adil Al Balushi
Muscat (Oman): The hosts Sultanate of Oman stormed into the historic quarterfinals of the FIH Men's Hockey5s World Cup (Oman 2024) as they edged US 6-4 on Monday at the Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat. Oman's players confirmed leading the group as they claimed seven points in their tally of pool D following two wins against Fiji (8-3) and US (6-4) beside a 3-3 draw against Malaysia in the opener. Malaysia joined the hosts Oman to the quarters as they finished as runners up with the same credit but less goals difference.
Back to Oman and US match in the concluding round of the group matches, Barminski Michael gave US lead but one minute later Rashadal Fazari equlaised for Oman while Madit Aiman found the net to make it 2-1 for US in the 14th minute and end the first half. In the deciding half, Oman head coach Aikman Siegfried entered the match with a different plan as the players were attacking in order to secure the second straight win after they played out a 3-3 draw in the opener and then won Fiji 8-3.
Khalid al Shaaibi (20, 29), Mahmood Bait Shamaiaa (22) and Khalid al Lawati (25) struck Oman's goals in the second half while Harris Pat struck two goals within one minute in the 23rd minute while Gandhi Mohan netted the fourth goal for US.
Khalid al Shaaibi expressed his joy post the post the match and he said:" It is great historic moments to reach into the quarterfinals in this inaugural edition of the FIH Men's Hockey5s World Cup. This does not come in easy way as we worked very hard before the tournament and during the event. Thanks for the coaching staff and fans for their continuous support. Special thanks for the association and will do our level best in the forthcoming matches," he ended
Oman will meet Kenya in the quarterfinals as the match will take place on Tuesday. The match will start at 9:10. Malaysia will face Trinidad & Tobago in another quarters match. The topper of pool B Egypt will meet Poland who ended as runners up in pool A. The second placed team in pool B India will play against Netherlands who ended as first team in pool A in a tight clash. Egypt confirmed their progression to the next stage as the top team in the group after they defeated Switzerland 9-1.
It was only Netherlands and Egypt teams who finished the group matches on full mark from three games. The African team thumped Jamaica 10-2 in the opener before edging India 8-6 in a thrilling match on Sunday. Then, they outclassed Switzerland 9-1. Netherlands men's team will aim to duplicate the women's team triumph as they crowned champions of the FIH Women's Hockey5s World Cup. The Dutch began their campaign strongly with 6-3 win over Poland before outclassing Pakistan 5-3 in the following match. They concluded their group games with a crucial 8-6 win over Nigeria on Monday.
