FOOTBALL – BAHRAIN are upbeat ahead of their highly anticipated clash with continental powerhouses Australia today as they kick off their campaign in the third round of Asian qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The kingdom’s senior men’s national team are looking to “Make the Dream Happen” and book their tickets to football’s global spectacle for the first time in history.
This stage on their journey begins against the world number 24 Australians at the 28,000-capacity Robina Stadium, located in the Gold Coast of eastern Australia. And despite accepting their tag of underdogs in today’s contest, Bahrain head coach Dragan Talajic says his players are determined to put up a fight against one of their group’s top contenders.
“The match is scheduled for a 1.10pm kick-off, Bahrain time.”
“We have had some good training here over the past few days and we are ready for tomorrow,” Talajic said yesterday during his pre-game Press conference.
“Australia are one of the main favourites in our group. We know a lot about their players, and their coach is a very experienced coach, but we will see tomorrow what happens.
“We are optimistic, but of course we are also realistic. Our chance is 50-50 for tomorrow.”
Talajic noted that Bahrain are expecting only tough games in this phase of qualifying, where they will also take on Japan, Saudi Arabia, China, and Indonesia.
“We have to be honest, all six teams deserve to be here,” Talajic said. “With full respect to everyone, this is our first game and we will see how it goes.
“The main favourites are Japan, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, but this is only on paper.”
Talajic added that he is looking forward to feeling the electricity at the match venue that will be generated by the local fans.
“I think it will be a lovely atmosphere,” he said. “All Australians are lovely people. Of course they will support their national team, and we will try to play a nice game to make it really enjoyable tomorrow.”
Forward Mahdi Abduljabbar said that Bahrain are looking to make the most of this chance of being a part of such a high-profile encounter.
Speaking at the same conference, Abduljabbar commented through interpreter and national team media co-ordinator Mohammed Abdulghaffar: “This game will give us very big experience and help us gain confidence to keep growing up and keep working well in this qualification round. We will fight hard.”
Talajic will have three less players to choose from for today’s contest. Veteran forward Ismaeel Abdullatif, seasoned defender Sayed Dhiya Saeed, and talented young winger Ahmed Al Sherooqi have all been ruled out due to injury, it was announced yesterday.
Meanwhile, Australia head coach Graham Arnold stressed on the importance of his side kicking off this qualification round on a winning note.
The Australians cruised through the second stage with a perfect record, scoring 22 goals and conceding none. They hope to continue their winning ways and seal a seventh appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
“The boys are excited to get on the pitch and play,” Arnold said in a separate Press conference yesterday. “The energy coming into camp has been fantastic.
“Every game is important, and getting off to a very good start tomorrow night is our focus and our main goal.”
Australia forward Mitchell Duke added that they have prepared well for Bahrain and will be ready to execute their game plan.
“Bahrain are a very physical team, very compact defensively,” he said. “We know what to expect. We know if we can just focus on our strengths as well, we can beat anyone.”
Also yesterday, the official pre-game technical meeting was held to discuss all matters related to the smooth running of the match. In attendance representing Bahrain were national team manager Mahmoud Reyadh, administrator Ahmed Malallah, and Abdulghaffar.
The uniforms that will be worn by both Bahrain and Australia were also presented. The Bahrainis will be using their red kits while the host Australians will be wearing their yellow and green uniforms.
In other Group C qualifiers today, Japan host China at Saitama Stadium 2002 in Saitama at 1.35pm, Bahrain time; and Saudi take on Indonesia at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah at 9pm, also Bahrain time.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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