Straight away, the Republic of Ireland defenders recognised who wouldn't be a threat from corner kicks.
As the national anthems rang out, it would have taken just a brief glance across at the Oman XI to realise that a young mascot was standing taller than the unfortunate player he had been matched up with.
It's not the most difficult task in the world to look down on all 5 ft 3 in of Irish president Michael D. Higgins and Ireland's own Wes Hoolahan knows only too well the life of a shorter footballer but perhaps the young lad could have been paired up with one of the larger Oman lads.
Because he makes Oman's number 11 look like he should be playing for Oboy.
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