With the UAE set to take on Oman in the Gulf Cup final on Friday, here is all you need to know about the two finalists; from their record in the competition, recent form, tactical approach and the contest in the dugout.
A SHARED HISTORY OF SUCCESS
Oman and the UAE have been key figures in the Gulf Cup’s recent history. Since 2004, between them they have earned a combined five final appearances – with three overall successes notched. Oman experienced a cherished period from 2004-09, losing the opening two deciders – the second in 2007 to an Ismail Matar-inspired UAE – before defender Mohammed Rabia struck the winning penalty in the shootout nine years ago to stun Saudi Arabia. The UAE also roared to success in 2013 in Bahrain before finishing third in Saudi a year later.
Oman celebrate their 2009 success over Saudi Arabia.
LOOKING TO RECOVER FROM SORRY ROAD TO RUSSIA
Neither nation will look back on their painful path to World Cup 2018 with any joy. For the UAE, the
‘Golden Generation’ lost their glean during a fitful attempt to make next summer’s tournament which
ended in the third and final round. A managerial merry-go-round in the aftermath sees Italian veteran Alberto Zaccheroni rebuilding ahead of January 2019’s Asian Cup. Oman dropped out in the second round, with Pim Verbeek the latest coach at the helm. Under him, they have reached the Asian event from an admittedly weak qualifying group.
UAE failed in their attempt to make it to Russia.
BUILDING FROM THE BACK IS WAY FORWARD
The one thing we should not expect from tomorrow’s final is a flood of goals. In a tournament lacking any huge
scorelines, both have built from the back to make it this far. The UAE have netted just once, while Oman have recorded three 1-0 victories. For the latter-mentioned, the likes of Al Suwaiq centre-back Mohammed Al Musalami and Al Mesaimeer veteran Ahmed Kano are key. The Whites will hope a safety-first 3-4-3 formation will provide celebrated attackers such as Omar Abdulrahman and Ali Mabkhout one last chance to excel.
Oman’s Mohammed al-Maslami celebrates after winning the 2017 Gulf Cup semi-final.
KUWAIT CITY’S BATTLE OF THE VETERANS
Experience will abound in Kuwait City’s Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium when Oman and the
UAE clash. For the Whites, Italian Alberto Zaccheroni has instilled senses of organisation and tactical identity since his mid-October arrival. This is no surprise, considering the 64-year-old won the 1998/99 Serie A crown with AC Milan and 2011 Asian Cup with Japan. Opposite number Pim Verbeek’s irascible nature led to a fractious spell in charge of Australia – ending at the 2010 World Cup. The 61-year-old also has few friends in Oman, but has improved their fortunes.
UAE boss Alberto Zaccheroni.