Oman coach Paul Le Guen the shock of the game in Australia last month, leaving the captain Fouzi Bashir by the line-up in Sydney. Equivalent to the captain's armband for the first time was Al-Habsi. However, the 29-year-old Wigan Athletic shotstopper was able to help his side to avoid defeat 3-0 against the team
Socceroo slick. The rating is evidence that Oman has a mountain to climb if they want to return to its former glory.
Most Inspirational
Al-Habsi was front and center as the tiny sultanate of winning the Gulf Cup of Nations for the first time in 2009 after impressing in the AFC Cup 2007 Asian two years earlier. The latter saw the team eliminated in the group stage, but it took a last gasp equalizer to deny Tim Cahill of Oman a famous victory over Australia in the first game of the tournament.
"We played three games against Australia, before [last month] all the time we had good games against them," Al-Habsi with FIFA.com, referring to a draw and two one-goal losses against the Socceroos since the year 2007. "When you play a team like Australia, you must concentrate for 95 minutes because your fitness level is high and have more experience.
"We have to concentrate more and give more. In nine points, will be difficult, but it means we spend. We still have three games, two of them at home. We will give everything until the last game."
So what's the difference between this campaign and in recent years that saw them in a very competitive match-up against the green and gold? "Now we have a lot of players on the Olympic team, and we have less experience of the team," said Al-Habsi.
"The first two games were qualified Ramadan, so it was hard. Even our [national] championship was started. In fact the team is organized and in better shape now. However, experience in the Australian team is much plus our team. "
I hope I am a model. My dream is to see another play in Europe or Oman Premier goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi League.Oman
Le Guen, French Oman respected coach who led Cameroon to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the actions of Al-Habsi combativeness. "We will do our best and we will fight in Muscat in Arabia and Australia," said Le Guen. "But I am clear, it will be difficult. Australia is better than us and there is only one place available next to Australia. But we have to fight and keep our chin.
"The coach of Oman, either myself or another, have no choice but to take risks. If we continue with the older players, we will not succeed. We have to wait for the future and learn to play with young players. I'll try to work with them in the coming months to try to improve them. "
Rare Works
In Oman, the Gulf and in fact, Al-Habsi is something of a pioneer. Regular first team football in the bright light which is the English Premier League is unique in Oman Al-Habsi football. Three seasons at Lyn Oslo of Norway was followed by five seasons at Bolton Wanderers, although most of the time spent on the bench. The move to Wigan last year revived the English Al-Habsi dominant race and goalkeeper last season was named the best player in the club, plays an important role in the narrow side Lancashire avoid relegation on the last day of the season.
But few players from the company out of the Gulf region, and those who play at international level still practice their trade in the neighboring nations of the Gulf of Bahrain striker Omar Abdullah to Swiss club Neuchatel Xamax a rare exception to the rule.
"I hope that I am a role model," says Al-Habsi, his accent a mix of catchy little inflections. "I hope that one day we will see another [Oman] player in Europe. My dream would be to see my second player in Europe or in the Premier League."
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