KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The forty-year wait is over with the UAE and Saudi Arabia set to meet for the first time in a Gulf Cup final on Tuesday.
After an overall head-to-head record of 39 matches across all competitions, Jeddah’s Al-Inma Stadium hosts the climax of what is also known as Khaleeji Cup on Tuesday evening.
The Whites, seeking a third title to add to their triumphs of 2007 and 2013, face hosts Saudi Arabia, who are chasing a fourth championship following victories in 1994, 2002 and 2004. The kick-off is at 10pm.
The occasion, though, carries echoes of the 1996 Asian Cup final in Abu Dhabi, when the UAE enjoyed home advantage only for Saudi Arabia to prevail on penalties after a goalless draw. Thirty years later the roles are reversed: Saudi Arabia play in front of their own supporters while the UAE search for glory on rival soil.
The final pits the tournament’s most potent attack against its strongest defence. The UAE have scored nine goals in four matches – one short of their all-time tournament record – and registered seven assists. Nicolás Giménez, Ousmane Camara and Ali Saleh have each scored twice. Zlatko Daily’s men topped Group B with seven points, kept three clean sheets and conceded just one goal before defeating Oman in the semi-finals.
Saudi Arabia enter with an exceptional defensive record, keeping clean sheets in all four group matches and holding Qatar scoreless for 120 minutes in the semi-final before advancing on penalties.
The hosts have now gone 390 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal and topped Group A with nine points. They also lead the tournament with 72 shots, driven by key contributions from Abu Al Shamat, Salem Al Dawsari and Mohamed Kanno.
Head-to-head statistics underline the rivalry that stretches back to the 1972 Gulf Cup. Saudi Arabia lead with 23 wins to the UAE’s seven, with nine draws. The UAE have recorded memorable Gulf Cup victories over their neighbours in 1982, 1986, 1992, 2003 and 2007, yet never before have the sides contested the final.
UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa anticipates a fierce contest. “We expect a tough match and a big derby between two of the Gulf’s most established national teams,” he said. “We’ve been through many challenges in recent times and come close on previous occasions, so we hope tomorrow will be the moment we reap the rewards for our teams and the UAE fans. The coach always pushes us to give our best. There is a new identity and shape taking form within the team that will become even clearer in the near future.”
Dalic, who took charge in August, struck a determined note. “I have told the players to enjoy the match. We are facing one of the strongest teams in the tournament on their home ground and in front of their fans, but we’re ready for the challenge. I’d like to thank the UAE fans for their incredible support, and I’ve always felt their support since arriving here. I hope to begin my journey here by winning this title.”
Thousands of Emirati supporters are expected to pack the stands after the Football Association organised 13 flights and secured around 12,000 tickets as 20% of the 64,000-capacity venue in Jeddah.