(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) It's time to set the ball rolling in the Portuguese city of Espinho as the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup gets underway on Thursday.
Oman will get down to business on the first day when it takes on fancied Switzerland in a Group B match at Praia da Baia. The match kicks off at 8.30pm Oman time.
Speaking to Muscat Daily over phone Oman's coach Talib Hilal sounded confident ahead of the opener. 'We know that the Swiss are one of the best sides in this competition. They have a lot of experience and are managed by one of the best coaches in Angelo Schirinzi. But my boys are ready for the challenge and are capable of springing a surprise' he said.
'We had a tough friendly against Mexico here which we won 3-2. Our other friendly against the Argentinians couldn't take place because they arrived here late. We will go into the match against Switzerland with an intention to win' said Talib who has been with the national team since its inception in 2008.
Having led Oman to its maiden Asian title earlier this year Talib's approach at the competition is to take each match as it comes. 'Right now our focus is to tackle the Swiss' he said.
The eagerly anticipated opening day of the World Cup will witness matches in Groups A and B with eight teams looking to get off to a positive start in a tournament that will keep beach soccer fans buzzing until July 19.
Switzerland is one of the favourites for the title. The runner-up at the 2009 edition in Dubai UAE has lost just one game in European qualification this time round the final against heavyweight Russia.
Oman made it to the 2015 edition by becoming Asian champion after getting the better of Japan - the strong favourite and winner of the previous two continental tournaments.
Oman will now be gunning to improve on its showing since its World Cup debut at Ravenna Italy in 2011 when it finished its campaign without a point.
Other matches on Thursday:
Group A: Portugal vs Japan Argentina vs Senegal; Group B: Italy vs Costa Rica.
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