National Pride

January 17 is a date that will long be remembered in Oman. On this final day of the 19th Gulf Cup, Oman hurdled over three centuries of...well...loser status. Since two Cups back, the 'revolution' started but never quite snatched the football championship...until now. With a tied 0-0 during regulation, the Oman team penalty-kicked their way into the title - overcoming the Saudi team by just one. Final score : Oman 6 -KSA 5

For about a week now, people have been on impromptu motorcades celebrating with the Oman national colors strewn on their cars. Celebrations last until the wee hours of the night or until their car horns grow hoarse. Endless press news about what the championship team has been awarded and the drag along interviews thereafter. Although, for the most part, they did seem all in the name of good fun, I did hear of a few casualties of cars having a few dents and dimples from a few raucous revelers.

It all seemed over the top at first. However, learning how long it took for the nation to get recognition in a sport, regionally venerated to the point of fanatical, somewhat clears things up. Football here is like how Ginebra's basketball fanaticism is (maybe was) back home in Manila. Football here is like how Pacquiao's wins brought national pride back to Filipinos.

With the euphoria of the win dying down, things have started to back to normal on streets. Less cars sporting the whites, reds and greens. Less honking around town. Less cheering on the streets. However, quieter it seems though, I'm sure the Omani win and the Omani national pride will last for centuries...decades...more.

Mabrouk Oman!!