Persian Gulf enjoying football feast

By Claire Sharrock
BBC Sport in the UAE

Football has brought the UAE's diverse people together

It has been an exciting few months for football fans in the Persian Gulf.

The highlight has been the World Youth Championships taking place in the United Arab Emirates - the biggest sporting event the country has ever hosted - putting the nation on the international football stage for the first time.

Brazil emerged as champions, winning the biennial competition for a fourth time, equalling Argentina's record.

But there were plenty of other winners, not least the host country itself.

The UAE population is one of the most cosmopolitan in the world. Emirati nationals make up just 10 percent of the population of around 3.5 million, with a the majority of people expatriates from countries all over the world - in particular East Asia.

Although cricket is a big passion among much of the population, a love of football turned out to be a unifying factor between ethnic groups that are not the best at mixing together. Most of the stadiums were full or nearly full during the tournament.

The fact that the UAE did so well - they reached the last eight - was as exciting as it was unexpected.

The key now is for the UAE Football Association to build on this success and international attention, not only to bid for more high-profile events but also to develop and promote league football - which at present suffers from very poor spectator figures.

Fifa rankings

The Youth Championship was swiftly followed by the Gulf Cup in Kuwait.

Unfortunately for the UAE, their senior side did not do as well as their youngsters. They managed only two wins out of seven and English coach Roy Hodgson was fired as a result.

Roy Hodgson was sacked after a poor Gulf Cup

His replacement for next month's World Cup qualifiers and the Olympic qualifiers that begin in March is Jean-Francois Jodar, the much-lauded Under 20 coach.

Meanwhile, defending champions Saudi Arabia were the predictable Gulf Champions again, although Bahrain emerged as a growing force in the region as they finished second.

AFC General Secretary Peter Velappan warned China to watch out for the Gulf side when they face them in the Asian Cup Finals later this year.

The tip comes as Bahrain emerged as the most improved nation in the Fifa World Rankings.