Saudi Arabia's preparations for the Asian Cup soccer event went on in style as they won the Singapore Invitational Tournament, despite losing to Oman in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 game on Sunday. The Saudis topped the four-team, weeklong tournament after an earlier 2-1 win against hosts Singapore and the draw with Oman, despite going down 3-1 in the penalty shoot-out. Oman finished second, with Singapore third and North Korea fourth. Saudi Arabia opened the scoring in the 55th minute when Nassir Al Shamrani cleverly flicked through for Mohammed Al Shalhoub to prod home. But Oman equalized six minutes later when Fawzi Bashir rose superbly to head Ahmed Hadid's free-kick past Saudi keeper Waleed Ali. Perked up by the half-time entry of their star forward Bashir, Oman pressed for a winner and Ali had to palm away Bader Al Maimani's glancing header. The lanky keeper came to the fore again in the 73rd minute when Oman forward Amad Al Hosni raced through, only to be foiled by Ali's giant frame. Both Saudi Arabia and Oman have been based in Singapore to acclimatize for the upcoming Asian Cup on July 7-22. The Saudis are grouped with Bahrain, South Korea and Cup co-hosts Indonesia. They face fellow Asian heavyweights South Korea in their opening game on July 11. Oman will face Australia, Iraq and co-hosts Thailand in their group, with their first tie coming against Australia on July 8.
