Croatian star Mirza Dzomba (L) picks a team’s name during the draw ceremony
Oman will take on men’s world champion Brazil in its opening match of the fifth men's and women's World Beach Handball Championships, which will be held at the Musannah Sports City from July 8-13.
Oman has been pooled along with Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, Morocco and Australia in Group A, while European champion Croatia is in Group B with Egypt, Spain, Uruguay, Kuwait and Qatar.
At the draw ceremony held at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel on Monday, the hosts were given the option to pick its group after all the teams were drawn from five glass pots. National coach Wael Abdel-Ati opted for the Group A pool, which already included stalwarts Brazil.
Speaking to Muscat Daily after making the choice, the Egyptian coach said, “When you play in the world championships, all the teams are strong. But I feel that we have a chance in Group A as there are teams like Russia and Ukraine, who have a playing style that is similar to ours. Group B would have been very difficult.”
Abdel-Ati, a former world championship winner, said, “Brazil is the world champion and we face them in the opening clash. We have to fight and I will take each game as it comes. I am aiming for a berth in the second round, which means that we should finish among the top six teams.”
After the opener against Brazil, Oman plays Russia, Morocco, Australia and finally Ukraine in the group stage.
Croatian star Mirza Dzomba, along with former Omani greats Zahr al Busaidy, Ahmed Darwish al Balushi and Jamil al Hassani, picked the draw of lots. Also taking part in the draw were current national team players Mahr al Dughaishi, Jaber al Balushi, Taha al Raisi and Nabeel al Balushi.
Dzomba said, “The Oman coach made a good choice as I think Group A is easier with Ukraine in it. Oman will also have the advantage of weather conditions. I wish them all the best.”
Earlier at the draw ceremony, H E Rashad al Hinai, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Sports Affairs, welcomed the chief guest, H E Abdullah al Saeedi, Minister of Legal Affairs.
Speaking on the occasion, Miguel Roca Mas, International Handball Federation's (IHF) first vice-president, said, “The hosting of the worlds will help the country become well-known across the world. I am impressed with the efforts of the Oman Handball Association and the sports ministry. We hope to stage a successful championship.”
Draw: Men: Group A: Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, Morocco, Australia, Oman; Group B: Croatia, Egypt, Spain, Uruguay, Kuwait, Qatar.
Women: Group A: Croatia, Denmark, Italy, China, Uruguay, Australia; Group B: Norway, Brazil, Hungary, Thailand, Poland, Singapore.
Croatian star Mirza Dzomba (L) picks a team’s name during the draw ceremony
Oman will take on men’s world champion Brazil in its opening match of the fifth men's and women's World Beach Handball Championships, which will be held at the Musannah Sports City from July 8-13.
Oman has been pooled along with Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, Morocco and Australia in Group A, while European champion Croatia is in Group B with Egypt, Spain, Uruguay, Kuwait and Qatar.
At the draw ceremony held at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel on Monday, the hosts were given the option to pick its group after all the teams were drawn from five glass pots. National coach Wael Abdel-Ati opted for the Group A pool, which already included stalwarts Brazil.
Speaking to Muscat Daily after making the choice, the Egyptian coach said, “When you play in the world championships, all the teams are strong. But I feel that we have a chance in Group A as there are teams like Russia and Ukraine, who have a playing style that is similar to ours. Group B would have been very difficult.”
Abdel-Ati, a former world championship winner, said, “Brazil is the world champion and we face them in the opening clash. We have to fight and I will take each game as it comes. I am aiming for a berth in the second round, which means that we should finish among the top six teams.”
After the opener against Brazil, Oman plays Russia, Morocco, Australia and finally Ukraine in the group stage.
Croatian star Mirza Dzomba, along with former Omani greats Zahr al Busaidy, Ahmed Darwish al Balushi and Jamil al Hassani, picked the draw of lots. Also taking part in the draw were current national team players Mahr al Dughaishi, Jaber al Balushi, Taha al Raisi and Nabeel al Balushi.
Dzomba said, “The Oman coach made a good choice as I think Group A is easier with Ukraine in it. Oman will also have the advantage of weather conditions. I wish them all the best.”
Earlier at the draw ceremony, H E Rashad al Hinai, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Sports Affairs, welcomed the chief guest, H E Abdullah al Saeedi, Minister of Legal Affairs.
Speaking on the occasion, Miguel Roca Mas, International Handball Federation's (IHF) first vice-president, said, “The hosting of the worlds will help the country become well-known across the world. I am impressed with the efforts of the Oman Handball Association and the sports ministry. We hope to stage a successful championship.”
Draw: Men: Group A: Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, Morocco, Australia, Oman; Group B: Croatia, Egypt, Spain, Uruguay, Kuwait, Qatar.
Women: Group A: Croatia, Denmark, Italy, China, Uruguay, Australia; Group B: Norway, Brazil, Hungary, Thailand, Poland, Singapore.
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