Coach Alberto Zaccheroni is convinced his dogged UAE charges have shown signs that Friday’s Gulf Cup decider against Oman will see them belatedly burst into life.

The Italian’s first tournament in charge has witnessed a defensively re-cast side make the final without conceding a goal in their four matches – the latest clean sheet coming in Tuesday’s eventual penalty shootout success against Iraq in Kuwait City – and scoring just once, Al Jazira predator Ali Mabkhout’s spot-kick in December 22’s Group A-opening 1-0 win against their next opponents.

This miserly approach is a stark contrast to 2013’s electric victory achieved by the then ascendant ‘Golden Generation’ in Bahrain and has drawn some criticism within the region for its lack of entertainment.

Yet there is confidence within the camp that the likes of 2016 AFC Player of the Year Omar Abdulrahman and his fellow attackers can finally fire the Whites to a cherished third-ever triumph.

“We played 120 minutes, which is a big burden on the players,” said Zaccheroni of the mid-week semifinal, settled from 12 yards by the unlikely figure of Al Wahda right wing-back Mohammed Al Menhali.

“The Oman team is well-organised and is playing a modern tactic, putting pressure on their opponent. But firstly, there is a gradual development in the performance of the UAE and this is important.”

Oman are currently rebuilding under the Netherlands’ Pim Verbeek after an early exit from World Cup 2018-qualifying. Legendary goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi was not selected for this competition by the nation ranked 101 by FIFA, 28 places behind the UAE. The two countries have previous at this stage, Ismail Matar earning
icon status when his goal at Zayed Sports City saw the 2007 hosts prevail.

Oman also lost the 2004 decider, but succeeded at home in 2009 when they shocked Saudi Arabia. In this edition, victories against Kuwait and the second-string Saudis saw them edge the UAE for top spot in their pool. An own goal from Bahrain’s Mahdi Abdul Jabbar then earned Tuesday’s 1-0 last-four win.

“I am very proud of the team and happy to reach the final,” said Verbeek. “It was an excellent display.”

WINNING TRADITION

With a third Gulf Cup-triumph in 11 years in view for the UAE, we look at the nation’s previous trailblazers.

2007 UAE

This was the tournament in which Ismail Matar made real on his incredible promise. The UAE knew they had a gem on their hands four years prior when he was named best player at the 2003 World Youth Championships, a competition also featuring future greats in Spain’s Andres Iniesta and Argentina’s Carlos Tevez.

By the time of the 18th running of the Gulf Cup on home soil, the Al Wahda forward was ready to explode. Matar dominated from the off, striking three times in the group stage – including a last-gasp winner in the final match against Kuwait. He was the hero again in the semi-final against giants Saudi Arabia, hitting a 91st-minute clincher. The best was to come in the final versus Oman, finding the bottom corner in a 1-0 victory as the UAE won their first-ever trophy.

Bahrain 2013

The hallowed ‘Golden Generation’ etched their name into the Gulf Cup’s history in Bahrain. Fresh from acquitting themselves well at the London 2012 Olympics, a squad packed full of burgeoning talents under the paternal care of coach Mahdi Ali was determined to lift another trophy for their nation.

Their number included men who have become household names in the region, with the attacking trio of Al Ain superstar Omar Abdulrahman, Al Jazira ace Ali Mabkhout and – then – emerging Al Ahli forward Ahmed
Khalil leading the way. They won all three Group A-matches to a combined score of 7-2, before Khalil edged a tight semi-final against Kuwait. A tense final in a cold Riffa saw Iraq downed 2-1 in extra-time, Ahli flyer Ismail Al Hammadi smartly slotting in Amer Abdulrahman’s 107th-minute pass.