Nobody had counted on Oman jumping ahead of continental giants Iran and Japan to win the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2015 AFC Qualifier Qatar, but they did just that, winning a tense final against Japan on penalties. This will be the second time Oman head to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after first participating in Marina di Ravenna, Italy in 2011.

One man who was pivotal in Oman's championship-winning run in Doha was Yahya Al-Araimi, who will be remembered by spectators for his dazzling acrobatics and for his blistering shots when taking free kicks – almost all of which went in the back of the net before the goalkeeper had time to react. Only moments after celebrating the win against Japan, a joyous Al-Araimi spoke to www.sc.qa, saying: "I first want to thank God for finishing in top position. I think we are ready for the World Cup in Portugal."

Giving his views on the tournament organisation, Oman's stand-out player added that "everything from the management to the organization of the tournament was perfect, and the hotel we stayed at was five-star. Qatar did a great job with this. All our opponents were really strong."

Al-Araimi's World Cup may be this year in Espinho, Portugal, but he's well aware of the FIFA World Cup™ coming closer to home in 2022. The beach soccer star said he was grateful to Qatar for bringing the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ to the Middle East for the first time: "Qatar is creative, it's outstanding in many different ways. They will be remembered for more than just the World Cup and more than just football. The entire Arab world is thankful to have the World Cup come to Qatar."

With Oman's football national team also currently in Doha to play a friendly match, Ali Al-Habsi, who played in the English Premier League for over five seasons and won an FA Cup with Wigan Athletic, had much praise for his national beach soccer side: "As Omanis, we were happy that our beach soccer team was crowned the best team in Asia. But to be honest, I'm not surprised, Omanis are always playing on the sand and we're very good at beach soccer."