FOOTBALL – BAHRAIN head into their clash against Japan tonight supremely motivated to build on their impressive winning start to the third round of Asian qualification for the Fifa World Cup 2026.
Just five days after their stunning 1-0 victory against Australia away, the Bahrainis are back on the pitch at home against another continental giant in world number 19 Japan.
The Japanese enjoyed a 7-0 drubbing of China in their opening qualifier last week, and head into tonight’s contest at the National Stadium as the heavy favourites. But national team head coach Dragan Talajic says his players are ready to give their maximum and go all out for the win, especially with the match taking place on Bahrain soil.
“We know we are playing a very hard game tomorrow – Japan is one of the favourites in our group, they have excellent players, and we respect them too much,” Talajic said during his pre-game Press conference, attended by around 60 Japanese media professionals who have travelled to the kingdom for the fixture.
“But we have prepared in our own way,” Talajic continued. “We are mentally strong. Our motivation is really becoming huge because we are playing in front of our people, our friends, our families, and our kingdom.
“We will see what will happen – we have something to say also tomorrow.”
Tonight’s contest is scheduled for a 7pm kick-off. The game will be both teams’ second assignments in qualification Group C.
Bahrain’s fans have free entry for the affair. They will be seated on the left of the VIP section of the National Stadium as well as in the unroofed stands on the opposite end. Japan’s fans attending will be on the right side of the VIP seats next to the family section.
Gates will open from 4pm to the public, the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) announced yesterday.
Talajic noted that their victory against the Australians last week gave them a major boost in confidence, which he hopes will translate onto the pitch tonight for the Bahrainis.
“Congratulations to my boys for what we did in Australia,” said the Croatian tactician. “We showed the best that we had at that moment, and tomorrow also will be the best for this moment.
“Every single game we want to win, and what will happen tomorrow, we will see.”
Talajic acknowledged that both teams have had limited time for preparation having needed to travel a long distance between their opening two qualifying matches.
“It was difficult for us from a long trip from Australia, but it is same for Japan – we don’t have any excuses about it,” Talajic said. “I am working with my boys to prepare the best away and play the best way
“I am both realistic and optimistic. As a football coach, I want to win every single game. We respect Japan too much – sure they are favourites in our group to get results along with Australia, but we will fight to win tomorrow.
“We will do our best, and one point also will be nice.”
Bahrain’s veteran midfielder Abdulwahab Al Malood said that the kingdom’s players have all eyes on the task ahead.
“Our preparations have gone very well since our good result in Australia,” Al Malood said at the same Press conference. “We respect Japan and our focus is now completely on them. We hope to get a good result tomorrow.
“We also look forward to the support of the fans. We want to be inspired by them.”
Heading into tonight’s clash, Bahrain have won just twice in their 11 meetings against the Japanese, nicknamed ‘Samurai Blue’, at the international senior men’s level. This was confirmed by a BFA official.
The nationals first triumphed against Japan in March of 2008 at the National Stadium in the third round of Asian qualifiers for the Fifa World Cup 2010. Now-retired superstar forward Ala’a Hubail had scored the match-winner in the 77th minute of that contest.
Bahrain’s only other victory was in January of 2009 in qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2011. Legendary midfielder Salman Issa was the hero of that game, also played at home, with a 24th-minute decider.
Meanwhile, Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said yesterday that they are ready for tonight’s contest, which he expects to be a tough battle.
“We had a long travel here and we have had to adjust to the time difference, climate, and humidity,” Moriyasu said through an interpreter in his pre-game Press conference yesterday alongside Liverpool midfielder and Japan skipper Wataru Endo.
“The players have done really well in training,” he continued. “It will be a very tough match, but I think my players are well-prepared and we will go for the win.”
Of Bahrain’s victory against Australia last week, Moriyasu said: “Bahrain showed a very good physical condition, and played a good game tactically and technically.
“But the result hasn’t changed our plans for tomorrow’s game. I already knew that Bahrain are a very good squad under their new coach.”
Endo added: “The Bahrain team have the strength and potential to play a good game.”
Also in preparation for tonight’s Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifier, the pre-match technical meeting was held yesterday attended by officials from both national teams and from the Asian Football Confederation.
The uniforms which both squads will be wearing today were presented. Bahrain will be in their red kits while Japan will be in blue.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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