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The final of the first ever NEOM Beach Soccer Cup is to be fought between Egypt and Oman who both won on day four
The Omanis secured a comfortable victory over England to top Group B, while Egypt had to come from behind to down their plucky hosts.
In the rest of tomorrow’s action, Saudi Arabia and UAE will battle for third place while England and China will face off for fifth, after failing to pick up points in the group stages.
Oman 3 – 0 England
The final game in Group B saw the Three Lions fight for a one last chance at points in an attempt to make tomorrow’s third-place play-off.
It was a tight opening period of play, which saw both sides threaten and waste promising chances in front of goal but it was Oman who drew first blood…
The deadlock was eventually broken by Sharif who hit a fine striker to edge Oman ahead with just two minutes of the first period to go.
But the Omanis couldn’t extend their lead in the second half, as England fought off their increased attacks well. However, Mitchell’s men couldn’t find the net themselves and the second whistle sounded with still just one goal separating the teams.
Right from the restart Oman were on their English rivals, and within seconds had finally doubled their lead through Mandhar. Then a sweet volley from Mushel saw Tommy Jackson beaten at the near post as Oman went three head.
Aaron Clarke had a chance to pull one back for England with less than two minutes on the clock but saw his effort saved.
But time ran out for the men in white, and they will now face China in the play-off for fifth-place. Oman, however, will play the final of the first ever NEOM Beach Soccer Cup.
Goals: 1-0: Sharif, min. 2 (1); 2-0: Mandhar, min. 11 (3); 3-0: Mushel, min. 10 (3);
Saudi Arabia 2 – 4 Egypt
The reward for victory today in the game between the hosts and their Egyptian neighbours was a final match-up against Oman in the first ever final of the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup.
Saudi Arabia may have been the underdogs, as well as the hosts in this competition, but they had already shown that they were able to beat experienced teams, after having taken a victory over China on day one.
The opening period was closely contested and the scoreline, thanks to the heroics of the goalkeepers at both ends, was kept untouched as the first whistle blew.
It may have been the influence of the members of the Saudi Royal family in the crowd, but the men in green seized control of the game in the second period, scoring two goals as Saleh bagged a brace to excite the crowd.
However, the Pharaohs had a reply late in the period, as Mohamed glided in at the far post to head in number one, then Samir equalised with just a minute left to play.
The last 12 minutes began with the teams back on level terms, but Sasa put Egypt ahead in style when he powered in a freekick from his own half.
The Saudis came painfully close to finding a late equaliser and forcing extra time, but the final goal went to Egypt and Samir put away another freekick to wrap up the points and seal the place in the final.
Goals: 1-0: Saleh, min. 11 (2); 2-0: Saleh, min. 5 (2); 2-1: H. Mohamed, min. 2 (2); 2-2: M. Samir, min. 2 (2); 2-3: M. Sasa, min. 8 (3); 2-4: M. Samir, min. 0 (3);
NEOM BEACH SOCCER CUP 2019
Thursday 18 July
18:30: Egypt 7-0 China
19:45: Oman 6-4 UAE *AET
Friday 19 July
18:30: Oman 3-0 England
19:45: Saudi Arabia 2-4 Egypt
Saturday 20 July
16:45: China vs England (5th-place play-off)
18:30: Saudi Arabia vs UAE (3rd-place play-off)
19:45: Egypt vs Oman (FINAL)
