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The Oman national football team is the national team of Oman and is controlled by the Oman Football Association. Although the team was officially founded in 1978, Oman have been playing football matches since the 60's. It has never qualified for the World Cup but has qualified for the Asian Cup in the years 2004 and 2007, and twice reached the Gulf Cup of Nations final.
[edit] World Cup record
[edit] Asian Cup record
[edit] Gulf Cup of Nations Record
Prior to the new century, Oman struggled greatly in the Gulf Cup, usually finishing in 6th or 7th place, even when the Cup was held in Oman. It was about 1998 when Oman took the Gulf Cup seriously, and in the year 2003/2004 Gulf Cups an explosion of new talent emerged like the familiar names of Imad Al-Hosni, Ali Al-Habsi, Badr Al-Maimani and Khalifa Ayil, which made the team very successful. Most recently the national team lost to the U.A.E. in the final, and in the prior competition lost to Qatar in a penalty-kick shootout.
[edit] Team Awards and Achievements
Oman have not won many team titles but have gone far in many competitions, like the 1995 U-17 World Championship. For the few trophies the team won, they were in the youth level. The U-17 Team won first place in the 1996 and 2000 AFC U-17 Championship, and third in the '94 tournament. More recent achievements are qualifying for Asian Cups 2004, and 2007. Also receiving second place for the 17th and 18th Gulf Cup of Nations.
[edit] Individual Awards
[edit] Oman in Europe
Many European clubs have been interested in players from Oman. Spanish giants, Valencia were interested in Imad Al-Hosni in 2006, but Imad ended up staying in Qatar with many fellow countrymen. Also goalkeeper, Ali Al-Habsi was in Norway with club, Lyn Oslo, and in 2005 transferred to England, with club, Bolton. Other clubs interested with transferring Al-Habsi are Bayern Munich of Germany, and Turkish club, Galatasaray. Most recently Omani defender, Khalifa Ayil has gained some interest from English giants, Arsenal F.C., but due to his club's decision of not letting him end his contract soon, he was not allowed to take this opportunity. Ayil also went on trail to Spanish club, Celta de Vigo, but returned to the Qatar League with his future unclear.
[edit] Current Squad
The following players were called up for the friendly match against Paraguay on September 6, 2008. Please note that during some games the player numbers may change as well as the positions. Please also note, that following squad includes recent callups.
[edit] Goalkeepers
[edit] Defenders
[edit] Midfielders
[edit] Strikers
[edit] Coaches
[edit] External links