Doha: Bahrain leave the Asian Cup with their heads high unlike neighbours Saudi Arabia and Gulf Cup champions Kuwait while India, who found themselves in enhanced company, lost all three matches.
The only team from the region with a Bahraini national as their coach, the Salman Shareeda-led boys gave Group C winners and Asia's top-ranked side Australia a difficult time in their final match on Tuesday.
Bahrain, who lost 2-1 to South Korea and then won 5-2 against India, conceded a 37th minute goal to Mile Jedinak but were denied by the Australian keeper Mark Schwarzer in the second half.
Fought until the end
While the Kuwaitis lost all their matches and so did the Saudis, Bahrain acquitted themselves well and fought until the end before bowing out.
"I'm satisfied with the performance though and satisfied with the work that I have done in the past two months. Our players were strong and they showed good spirit in the game," said Shareeda, hoping his job would be safe when he returns.
"Australia and South Korea are strong teams and they are in a good position in Asian football," he said.
"We have had some difficult situations in the team but the players showed a good performance in the matches that we had," the Bahraini said.
India, who emerged as the punching bags in the 16-team championship, certainly looked out of place here but that did not stop them from putting up a brave fight.
Two goals against Bahrain and one against South Africa reflects the effort put by Bob Houghton's team, who expressed satisfaction.
"It was the third of three difficult games in eight days. For our team, it was a real challenge, we got through it, we're richer for the experience, the boys enjoyed it and they've learned a lot from it," Houghton said.
"It's made them feel like they want to get back in four years time and compete in Australia and what they learned this time will stand them in good stead," he added.
