From giant projector screens at cafes to television sets at homes, Asian Cup fever has gripped the nation as the much-awaited match between Oman and Saudi Arabia kicks off on Tuesday evening.
Cafes throughout the city have demarcated areas where matches will be shown live on giant screens as football fans enjoy the thrills and spills of the matches during the next few weeks.
In Muscat, most football lovers prefer to watch big tournament matches like the Fifa World Cup, Uefa Championship League, or Euro Championship in groups and now Asian Cup, with cafes filled during football season.
Even though football fans in the Sultanate of Oman have to spend a good amount to watch the games on TV from the comfort of their homes, the enthusiasm refuses to subside. “I don't mind paying to enjoy the matches. This is a one-time thing in years,” Sabri Abdullah, a football fan, said.
Fans said the Asian Cup is something not to be missed since Oman is taking part. “I am so excited and I have reserved one room at home for the purpose because I expect to watch the matches with my friends at home,” Mohammed al Balushi, a Suhar-based football fan, said.
Meanwhile, across the country, both young and old are gearing up to celebrate the spirit of football. While some prefer to watch at home, many prefer to watch the matches at cafes in big groups. “I will be watching the matches with my friends in one of the coffee shops where they have put up big screens. The match is more fun when you are in a big group,” Taha Mohammed, another football fan said.
But for some, they prefer to be home with family. “I have invested in big screen TV for the purpose. I try to make such events a family affair and I never like the idea of going out in public places to watch the matches,” Hassan al Numani, a resident of Al Amerat, said.
This is the first encounter between Oman and the Saudi team in the Asian Cup, and the fifth appearance of the Oman team in the Asian Cup, as it has never achieved any victory in each of the previous four opening matches after drawing one match and losing in the other three matches.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
