Oman square off against Palestine

MUSCAT: Oman will be looking for full points when they take on hosts Palestine in their Group D match of the AFC Asian Cup final round qualifiers in West Bank on Tuesday.

Dutchman Pim Verbeekcoached Oman go into the match with confidence after having started their campaign in the final round with a 14-0 rout of Bhutan back in March.

Verbeek, according to news posted in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) website, said now the focus is on Palestine.

“We knew we had the better team and there was a big chance to win the game, but to win by so many goals was a surprise to everybody,” the former Australia coach said of the win over Bhutan.

“Technically what the team did was good and the boys did exactly what they had to do on the field. We scored 14 goals, so we can only be happy with that performance and the first three points as well as the goal difference. That helps.

“But it’s just a game by itself, you play at home and we knew immediately after the game that we have the result and the points and then we focus on Palestine.

“We played against Syria last week in Muscat and that’s a tough opponent and it helps prepare us for a game like the one we have against Palestine.

“We were happy with our performance. We drew and Syria scored in the 93rd minute, so we could have won that game also. That gives us confidence.

“But these are friendlies, and it was 38 degrees in the evening and now it’s different.”