Oman 1-0 India: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis

#2 Oman just display enough offensive quality in the final third

Oman just found enough quality in the final third

For long stretches of the game, Oman looked far from the side that had made the net bulge on four occasions against Bangladesh recently. Akin to India, their approach play seemed pedestrian at times, meaning that they failed to scythe through the Blue Tigers as much as they would’ve hoped.

However, fortunately for them, they managed to dig deep into their offensive reserves and unfurl the requisite amount of quality to earn them a nervy victory.

In the 33rd minute, India gave the ball away needlessly in midfield and Mohsin Al-Khaldi capitalised. The Oman No.10 strode away from Vinit Rai and curled an exquisite through ball for Al-Ghassani. The forward evaded the attention of Adil and Ashique before composing himself to slot the ball past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu with the inside of his right boot.

Apart from the goal, Oman also created the move that led to the penalty quite well. Ali Al-Busaidi controlled the ball on the left flank and played a sumptuous slide-rule pass for Al-Ghasanni. The striker outpaced Rahul Bheke before the Indian brought him down, thereby handing the hosts a spot-kick.

Thus, on the evening, even though both sides fell short of the attacking standards they might’ve set themselves, Oman did just enough in the end. And, while that may not serve them too well moving forward, it got the job done against India on Tuesday.