(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Sunday night was a stark contrast to Thursday's euphoria. The 3-1 loss against Qatar came as a huge disappointment for Oman's football fans riding on the Red Warriors' victory over Kuwait.
Football lovers who had gathered at places which screened the semifinal were seen walking out even before the game's final whistle. All plans to spill out into the streets to celebrate another big win fizzled out as there was not much to cheer about after Qatar scored the equaliser its second goal and then the third. The mood across the city remained gloomy.
Fans now hope that the team at least secures the third place.
Abdulrahim al Hajri a former coach of Oman's national team told Muscat Daily that the loss was a huge disappointment. 'The players did their best but I think they were still celebrating their formidable win over Kuwait. Every match is important. Psychologically players have to press a 'reset' button before they go on to the pitch.'
For Haitham al Mandhari a die-hard soccer lover all hopes came crumbling down after Qatar's third goal in the 67th minute. 'We were expecting a 4-1 scoreline in Oman's favour when the sultanate scored the first goal.'
Eminent sailor Mohsin al Busaidi said that this drubbing notwithstanding Oman's overall show in the 22nd Gulf Cup has been commendable. 'It has made us all more than happy.
'The win over Kuwait with a 5-0 scoreline was something that surprised all of us and we hoped that the good form continues. Although Oman did not win we will continue to support our national team.'
Talib Hilal Oman beach football team coach called it a crushing defeat 'especially after the big victory over Kuwait'. Hilal said people were expecting a performance like in the last game and it was very important for Oman to play in the final. 'It was just a bad night; these things happen.'
For noted IT expert Tariq al Barwani although it was sad that Oman lost reaching the semifinal too was an accomplishment. 'The match against Kuwait was extraordinary and raised our hopes. We will wait for the next edition of the Cup.'
'We would have been very happy if Oman had won' said Fatma al Nabhani a prominent Omani tennis player.
'Oman has played good matches and has given good performances. So we were expecting it to be a better match. However Qatar is also a good team' she said.
'I am not disheartened. After His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said's Royal Address all of Oman was highly motivated and the team played from its heart' she said.
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Oman Air offers RO85 return fare to Riyadh
Oman Air on Sunday announced that it is offering RO85 as return fare to Riyadh the venue of 22nd Gulf Cup. The offer is available till Wednesday November 26 as part of the airline's continued support to the Oman Football Association.
The airline said it is also offering customised vacation packages which include tickets and accommodation starting at RO165.
Oman Air said in a statement that it has discussed the possibility of increasing the number of daily flights to Riyadh to meet the growing demand by adding two more flights to the existing two allowing a total of 576 seats.
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