UAE lift Gulf Cup

The hosts beat Oman to win the 18th Gulf Cup of Nations in Abu Dhabi.

Oman's players sit on the field after losing the 18th Arabian Gulf Cup final soccer match against United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi January 30, 2007
Oman lost their second successive Gulf Cup final [Reuters]

The home side were clearly the more dangerous in the first 45 minutes but had nothing to show for their dominance.

Most of their attacks came from the right flank where Abdul Rahim Juma was outstanding and star striker Mattar went close to scoring in the 31st minute but his near-post header was kept out by Oman keeper Ali Habshi.

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The hosts became just the fifth country
to win the tournament [REUTERS]

Oman had very few chances in the opening half, their best coming from a free-kick in the 28th minute.

Oman, who have never won the title but were runners-up in the 2004 tournament, created an opportunity two minutes into the second-half through Al-Touqi whose shot hit the bar, another effort in the 62nd minute by defender Khalifa Ayel flew past the post.

Mattar could have put his team ahead in the 72nd minute but his shot shaved the post.

But, just one minute later, he broke through the Omani defence and fired into the back of the net.

The UAE held on to lift the trophy and get revenge over Oman who beat them 2-1 in the group stages.

“I played to win and I am very thrilled with the result. Today our team never allowed the Omanis much space and it was a tough game, being the final,” Bruno Metsu, UAE’s French coach said after the game.

He also praised his team’s five-goal hero saying: “He was criticised for his play in the early rounds, but he is a quality player and showed what he is capable of.”

Source: News Agencies