Football in Oman has undergone a huge transformation in recent years and they finally stepped up to the big time in 2004 when they qualified for their first Asian Cup finals.

Oman built on their success and will again take their place in the 2007 edition after finishing second in the Group C qualifying group behind United Arab Emirates and ahead of 2004 Asian Cup quarter-finalists Jordan and Pakistan, with four victories and two defeats against the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

Omani players catch the eye of a number of clubs and at least 12 now earn a living in the Qatar league while Ali Al Habsi, named the best keeper at the last two Gulf Cups, became the first man from the country to play in Europe and even secured a move to English Premier League side Bolton Wanderers from Norwegian club Lyn Oslo in July of 2005.

Oman’s strength lies with their midfield, which includes Fawzi Bashir, who recently moved to Qatar league runners-up Al Gharafa, Al Siliya’s Bader Al Maimani and the impressive Ismail Al Ajmi, who netted 12 goals with Al Shamal this season.

After leading them to a first appearance in the Asian Cup finals in 2004, Czech coach Milan Macala was again the mastermind behind Oman’s qualification for this summer’s finals but will not be in charge of the team when they kick off their campaign in Thailand in July.

Instead, Macala will be attempting to guide Bahrain through Group D in Indonesia while Argentinean coach Gabriel Calderon will be in the Oman hot seat after replacing his predecessor in April of this year.