Oman clinch Asian Beach Soccer title

Having qualified for the World Cup, Oman and Japan fought a royale battle on the sands of Doha, before Talib Hilal's boys clinched the issue 3-2 via penalties in the Asian Beach Soccer Championship on Saturday.

Both Oman and Japan were locked 1-1 after the completion of the three periods, but Hani Dhabit led Oman claimed the pennant with a decisive penalty during the shoot out.

Oman led the first period by virtue of an early Hani Dhabit goal (2nd minute) but Japan equalised in the second period through skipper Moreira Ozu in the 23rd.

The third period was barren and in the resultant penalty shootout, Oman converted three through Hani Dhabit, Mandhir Hilal and Abdullah Madoud.

Scorers for Japan were Ozu and Makino Shinji.

Both these teams, however, are on the bus to Portugal to play in the World Cup.

Oman's supremacy throughout the tournament was such that they maintained a clean slate.

In the semifinals on Friday, Japan edged out Iran 5-4, while Oman earned an overtime 5-4 win against Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Iran routed Lebanon 8-3 to clinch the third spot and make the World Cup finals.