Oman Has Potential to Qualify for World Cup: Ivankovic
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Oman national team head coach Branko Ivankovic believes that Oman's players have the talent needed to realize their dream of reaching the FIFA World Cup Finals for the first time.
The 65-year-old took charge of Oman in January, replacing Dutchman Erwin Koeman who parted ways with the West Asian side in December.
“The short period that I have worked with the national team was good but it was not enough to know all the players,” said Ivankovic in an interview with Oman Daily newspaper.
“Omani players have the necessary talents but I need more time in order to know how things will go."
Oman is currently second in Group E of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, just one point behind leader Qatar.
“I have great ambitions and I’m confident that I can lead Oman to the World Cup,” said Ivankovic. “We have a dream and football rewards whoever fights hard on the pitch.”
All football activities in Oman are suspended due to the COVID-19 and Ivankovic, who is in Croatia, said he is in constant communication with the Oman Football Association.
“I’m always getting in touch with the federation in Oman,” he said. “I’m waiting for the airports to open in order to return to the Sultanate and complete my job with the national team.”
