Neighbours battle for pride

Abu Dhabi: Hosts UAE and Oman have a date with history today when they face off at the Zayed Sports City at 5:20 pm in the final of the 18th Gulf Cup.

For, the winner will win the regional trophy for the first time in its 37 years of history. Only Kuwait (nine titles), Iraq and Saudi Arabia (three each) and Qatar (two each) have won the bi-ennial event.

The UAE feature in the finals for the first time since the two group format of competition was adopted, while Oman play in their second final in a row. They had lost to Qatar in 2004 in a penalty shootout.

Both teams have met once in the opening match of this tournament when Oman capitalised on a reduction of players of the home team and won 2-1 but tonight it is a totally different story.

The UAE, despite playing with a man on hat occasion, realised that there is a chance for compensating the loss of the three points but tonight, both team will have to go for broke.

Tactically, both teams play with 4:4:2 strategy but the difference will be in the available players and their tactical discipline in applying the plan tonight - in addition to committing the minimum number of mistakes and not allowing spaces for the opponents to build attacking moves.

The UAE, as hosts, have the advantages of playing among their loyal fans who proved to be one of their most successful weapons in the tournament.

With the match being held at the 60,000-capacity Zayed Sports City, it is expected that the home team will be highly motivated to fight for the title.

Both Frenchman Bruno Metsu, the head coach of the UAE and his Czech counterpart of Oman, Milan Macala will put forth all their trumpcards, not necessarily from the start, to secure their team's domination.

Oman has been one of the most consistent teams in the tournament, having won all the four matches they have played so far.

They defeated the UAE 2-1, Kuwait 2-1, Yemen 2-1 and Bahrain 1-0 and their worst match in the tournament was the opener in which they let the UAE dominate till the sending off of Hilal Saeed.

The UAE, on the other hand, are one of the most improving teams in the competition. After a loss in the first match, they have never looked back as they went on to beat Yemen 2-1, Kuwait 3-2 and then Saudi Arabia 1-0.

The UAE can, however, be certain of winning the day if they can raise their performance to the same level they displayed against the Saudis.

They will, however, have to watch out for Oman's key players like Emad Al Housni, Badr Al Maymani and Fawzi Basheer.

Metsu is expected to start with Majed Nasir in goal, Adil Abdul Aziz, Basheer Saeed, Rashid Abdul Rahman and Hayder Allo Ali in defence, Abdul Rahim Jumaa, Hilal Saeed, Esmail Mattar and Salem Khamis or Subait Khater in midfield with Mohammad Omar and Faisal Khalil in attack.

Macala is expected to field Ali Al Habsi in goal. Khalifa Ayed, Yagood Saleem, Hassan Mudhaffar and Mohammad Rabie in defence, Ahmad Hadeed, Fawzi Basheer, Saeed Al Shoun and Ahmad Mubarak in midfield while Al Housni and Al Maymani are expected to lead the attack.

Have your say
Do you think the UAE's showing will help in raising the level of the game in the country? Who was your Player of the Tournament? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or send your comments below.

I think Oman is a great team. It has developed a lot of techniques over the past few years. Oman's got a potential to do it too. All the best to Oman.
S. Qureshi
Dubai,UAE

I'm having a day off from work today to watch the UAE winning the final after long 37 years of waiting. Me and my triplets are supporting Esmail Matar and his brothers to be the champions. Go..go..go UAE
Maher
Larnaca,Cyprus

No doubt about that, UAE will win final match today and Esmail Mattar is best player of the tournament. Wishing good luck to the UAE team.
M. Mogral
Abu Dhabi,UAE

I think UAE will win the in the finals. The UAE team hasthe full support of UAE nationals and of the expat residents living here. I think Esmail Mattar is the best candidate for MVP. Best of luck to the UAE Football Team.
Maryam
Dubai,UAE

Sure, the level of the game will rise dramatically in the future. Congrats to our UAE National team for reaching the final. We all waiting the moment of truth today. Best Of luck.
H. Al Jabry
Abu Dhabi,UAE

We are looking forward to UAE winning the match and hope this time also Esmail Mattar will score the winning goal.
K. Hussain
Dubai,UAE

I think with the level of skills displayed against the Saudis, the UAE can be win the match today against Oman. UAE players must play a patient game and not succumb to rush of blood. All the best for UAE players, officials and supporters.
A. Mursodo
Ruwais,UAE

There is high hope for a UAE win. I think that we are going to get a holiday. All the best to the UAE team.
Tom
Dubai,UAE

I think the UAE has a better chance of winning this year's title because of home advantage and since their morale is high after beating the Saudis, who were the strongest team in the competition. Good luck UAE.
C. Thomas
New York,USA

UAE will win the match and Esmail Mattar will be the player of the tournament.
S. Cheelen
Abu Dhabi,UAE

Best of luck to all our UAE players.
B. Rangara
Dubai,UAE

Similar to Maradona in World Cup '86, his team did not have anyone except for him, and lifted the entire team on his shoulders to bring them all the way to glory. Here, without a doubt, Esmail Mattar shall grab the best player award. If UAE wins the tournament, it will be a turning point for the country's football. Not only will it give them a boost for the upcoming Asian Cup, but also for the future of its football. Again, that is only if they manage to win the tournament, because in 10 years no one will remember who got the second place. Concentration is the key for their success tonight, and with the confidence they have, hopefully they will make history tonight.
Mohsen
Vancouver,Canada