Oman's chance to impress European scouts

The Asian Cup focus here might be on Australia but the tournament offers a perfect chance for Oman's players to make a case for European club contracts, goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, seen here in January 2007, said Saturday.

The Asian Cup focus here might be on Australia but the tournament offers a perfect chance for Oman's players to make a case for European club contracts, goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi said Saturday.

Al Habsi, who is contracted to Bolton Wanderers but has yet to play a match for them since joining last year, sees their showdown against the Australian strike force of Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell on Sunday as an ideal opportunity.

"This is very important for all the players in Oman because many teams in England will be watching and it's a very good opportunity for us to have a chance for our players to play in Europe," he said at a press conference.

"In Arab countries and Europe it is very different and maybe this is a good chance for some players to play in Europe next season."

Al Habsi, 25, was voted Arab goalkeeper of the year and Norwegian club goalkeeper of the year in 2004.

He relishes the prospect of trying to prevent Viduka and Kewell among others from scoring in a match Australia is under pressure to win.

"This is a very good test for me against Viduka, Kewell and the Australians because up to now I've never played against them in the English Premier League even though I've been at Bolton for a year-and-a-half now," he said.

"This is good experience for me to prepare for the English Premier League and Sunday will be a very good game for me.

"I have to show myself and all my team how important it is to be in my best form and concentrate to do well against them."

Al Habsi added that whatever happens against Australia, his teammates believe they have a good chance to progress into the second round of the July 7-29 tournament.

Thailand and Iraq are also in their group.