It was not much of a contest for player of the tournament in the 2007 Gulf Cup. UAE striker Ismail Matar dominated the event.
Matar had first shown signs of his talent at the 2003 World Youth Cup, held in the UAE.
He was voted that competition’s best player, which was no mean achievement considering Brazil’s Dani Alves and future Spanish World Cup winner Andres Iniesta both contested the final in Abu Dhabi.
At 20, many predicted Matar could be the first Emirati to play abroad. Others demanded it. Yet there he was in 2007, still very much Al Wahda’s player, scoring five goals to win the tournament’s golden boot and lead his country to glory.
Apart from his consolation strike in the opener against Oman, his goals were crucial to his side’s success, particularly his winner in the semi-final against Saudi Arabia and the only goal of the final against Oman.
After the tournament, Bruno Metsu again insisted Matar could be a success in Europe, as did many other coaches. But that big move never came and several injuries meant he never quite hit the heights predicted.
His popularity has never waned, though, and he is adored by the fans, media and fellow players.
Even as mostly a substitute at last year’s Gulf Cup triumph in Bahrain, he was often carried on the shoulders of his teammates as the team went from one win to another. He remains the one player identified with both UAE Gulf Cup triumphs.
As squad captain in Manama, an emotionally overcome Matar wept before making his way up to lift the Cup for the second time, again winning the hearts of Emiratis everywhere.
Almost as much as the time he almost single-handedly, and at home, led the nation to its first Gulf Cup triumph.
akhaled@thenational.ae
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