Al-Rawahi: Small details decided the confrontation between Oman and the UAE in the Gulf 27

Ahmed Al Rawahi, the Omani national team player, confirmed that the small details decided the confrontation and tipped the balance in the opponent’s favor, stressing that the “Red” players gave everything they had and created a number of chances that did not translate into goals.

Al-Rawahi said, in an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat: “Praise be to God in any case. This is football, and God willing, the next will be better.”

Regarding the lack of reaction from the Omani team after qualifying at the expense of Iraq, he said: “On the contrary, the opportunities we created and wasted, especially during the first and second halves, confirm that the team was able to return to the match.”

He added: “We did what we had to in this match, and we reached the goal and created chances, but we were not able to score. We say thank God for everything, because this is football, and small details always make the difference in matches.”

Al-Rawahi continued: “The players did not fall short and performed at a great level, and, God willing, we promise our fans that we will make them happy in the upcoming tournaments.”

Regarding his expectations for the identity of the “Gulf 27” champion, especially after the Omani team faced the two sides of the final match, Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, Al-Rawahi said: “To the winner, we say congratulations, and to the loser, we wish him better luck.” “The two teams have performed at great levels since the beginning of the tournament, and they deserve to reach the final match.”

Lux Pimenta, the UAE national team player, expressed his happiness at reaching the final of the Arabian Gulf Football Cup “Gulf 27”, after defeating Oman 1-0 in the semi-finals, stressing the readiness of “Al-Abyad” to face the Saudi national team in the final match.

Speaking to media representatives after the match, Pimienta said: “It was a very difficult confrontation, and we knew that the Omani national team had a good team. We went into the match prepared, and we knew his style and way of playing. “I am very happy that we qualified for the final.”

Regarding the confrontation with the Saudi national team, he said: “It will be a big and beautiful match, and we will play in front of full stands and in a wonderful atmosphere. “I hope we succeed in achieving victory and bringing the cup back to our country.”

The Emirati team had reserved its place in the final match of “Gulf 27”, after defeating its Omani counterpart with a free goal, setting a date with the Saudi team in the final of the tournament.

Croatian Zlatko Dalic, coach of the UAE national team, expressed his pride in qualifying and achieving the big goal, praising the performance provided by his team players, and appreciating the great public support in Jeddah, while noting at the same time his reproach to the players after scoring the first goal, and stressing the difficulty of the anticipated final confrontation.

Dalic said in the press conference: “We played a great match and we were special. I thank the Emirati fans for their attendance and encouragement. We started the match on a high note, but after scoring the first goal I was not happy with the performance. I congratulated the players, but I blamed them for what they did after the goal, and we will analyze everything, because the big goal was achieved.”

He added: “As for the final match, it will be difficult. They will play in the presence of a large crowd, and they are also tired after playing extra time, and we are also going through pressure. “We will analyze everything, and I will focus on studying the team from all aspects.”

Regarding his celebration with the fans, the Emirates coach said: “We appreciate the attendance of the fans and their presence in Jeddah. When I came to the Emirates, I said that we should be one hand; Media, fans and players. We must all be together, and with every team I supervised, I always asked for support and encouragement. We will give everything we have, and God bless you.”