Oman seal spot in FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after reaching Asian Cup final

In a showdown between former champions, Oman stunned Japan with a 3-2 victory in the semi-finals of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025, held in Pattaya on Saturday.

The victory also secured a spot for Oman in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025. Oman competed against the three-time champions, the Islamic Republic of Iran, in the final on Sunday.

This will be the sixth appearance for Oman in the global showpiece event and their fourth consecutive appearance since their debut in 2011. All of these participations have come under the guidance of Talib Hilal, a rare accomplishment for a coach. Oman reached the World Cup finals in the years 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2024.

Except for a few weak charges from Japan, the first few minutes of the high-stakes game saw both former champions adopting a cautious approach.

Oman, the champions of 2015, came alive in the eighth minute when Yahya unleashed a powerful long-range shot from the right side, which sailed past Japan's Takaaki Oba, Ozu Moreira, and goalkeeper Takeru Furusato, ultimately finding the back of the net.

In the last minute of the first period, Teruki Tabata's team had an opportunity to equalize, but Oba's bicycle kick struck the crossbar, failing to surpass Oman goalkeeper Younis Al Owaisi.

The first few minutes of the second period saw Oba’s repeated attempts thwarted by the woodwork and the Oman backline, but Japan finally found their equaliser in the 17th minute through Chikara Eguro.

Eguro took advantage of a deflection following Oba's blocked attempt and delivered a left-footed shot from a challenging angle, successfully getting it past the Oman goalkeeper.

Japan gained the upper hand in the 21st minute when captain Ryota Tsuboya skillfully controlled a well-placed lobbed pass from Kosuke Matsuda and outmaneuvered Oman's Mushel Al Araimi to score, putting Japan in the lead as they approached the second break.

Three minutes into the final period, the score was level once more as Oman goalkeeper Younis delivered a throw that reached Abdullah Salim at the opposite end. Salim's acrobatic attempt successfully directed the ball into the center of the Japan net.

Oman reclaimed their advantage when Younis struck a shot from the Oman goal line that went uncontested, effortlessly finding its way into the Japan net, propelling them to the final in stunning fashion.

Cover Credits - AFC