Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Saudi Arabia began their Group B journey at the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 with a strong 2-1 win over Oman on Tuesday at the Education City Stadium. The match showcased competitive football, with both teams showing moments of skill and tactical play.
The first half saw cautious play from both sides, with neither team able to break the deadlock. Oman tried to maintain possession and control the midfield, while Saudi Arabia focused on building attacks through key players. The match’s tempo increased in the second half, bringing more goals and excitement for the fans.
Firas Al Buraikan opened the scoring for Saudi Arabia in the 55th minute. He capitalized on a well-timed pass and shot accurately past Oman’s goalkeeper, giving his team a crucial lead. Saudi Arabia continued pressing forward, aiming to extend their advantage and control the game.
Oman responded with a goal from Ghanem Al Rashidi in the 70th minute. His strike brought the score to 1-1, briefly raising hopes for an equalizer. Oman tried to use counterattacks and quick transitions to challenge Saudi Arabia’s defense. However, the visitors struggled to break through the organized backline of the Saudi team.
Saudi Arabia regained the lead in the 77th minute with a goal from Saleh Al Shehri. The strike came after a coordinated team effort, highlighting the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s attacking strategy. Salem Al Dawsari played a crucial role in both goals, using his vision and dribbling skills to create scoring chances and support the forwards.
The remainder of the match saw Saudi Arabia maintaining control, managing possession, and limiting Oman's opportunities. The team’s disciplined defense prevented any further scoring threats, ensuring a 2-1 victory. This result earned Saudi Arabia three points in Group B, while Oman remains at zero points after their first game.
The win reflects Saudi Arabia’s preparation and tactical awareness, showing their ability to perform under pressure in an important international tournament. Coach and players expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly in creating and converting scoring chances despite a challenging opponent.
Saudi Arabia’s victory also boosts confidence for upcoming Group B matches. The team will aim to continue this momentum, focusing on strong defense, coordinated midfield play, and exploiting goal-scoring opportunities in future games. Oman, meanwhile, will need to adjust strategies and strengthen their attack to secure points in the next fixtures.
Fans and analysts highlighted the contributions of key players, particularly Firas Al Buraikan, Saleh Al Shehri, and Salem Al Dawsari, as decisive in securing the win. Their teamwork and individual skills demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s readiness to compete for top positions in the Arab Cup.
With this opening victory, Saudi Arabia sets a positive tone for the tournament, while Oman must regroup and refine their approach. The Group B competition promises more exciting matches as the Arab Cup Qatar 2025 progresses, with teams vying for a place in the knockout stages and a chance to claim the prestigious title.
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