Sport | Football
Confident Iraq take on unsettled Bahrain
The Bahraini football team's character will be put to a stern test against a cool and confident Iraqi side in today's Group B clash of the Gulf Cup.
- By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:36 May 3, 2009
Abu Dhabi: The Bahraini football team's character will be put to a stern test against a cool and confident Iraqi side in today's Group B clash of the Gulf Cup.
Bahrain were dealt a cruel blow when they lost by a late goal against Saudi Arabia despite playing with nine men. Now with coach Hans Peter Breigel of Germany sacked 24 hours before this clash, the Bahrainis will really have to dig deep to keep their last four hopes alive against the Asian Games runners-up.
Former captain and new coach Marjan Eid will be relying on his knowledge of the players as he chalks out his plans to tackle the high-flying Iraqis after their win over Qatar.
"Our main focus is to come back into contention. The tournament is still open to all teams and everything is possible," said Marjan.
However with Mohammad Hussain Mohammad and Mohammad Adnan on the suspended list, Marjan's task is cut out.
Most importantly he will have to work on the morale of his players as it was their spirited display which kept the Saudi Arabian stars at bay until the ball went into the net off their own defender.
"We have worked on their mental approach to the next few games," he said.
Rival coach Akram Ahmad Salman sounded cautious saying the change in the Bahraini team could spark a better display.
"I had prepared for this game based on Breigel's tactics.
"I know the players I will be fielding but depending on what tactics the new coach uses for Bahrain you can see some role changes for my players," said Akram.
Iraq thrilled fans both here and back in the war-ravaged country with a revenge 1-0 win over Qatar, to whom they lost in the Asian games final last month.
"I am just trying to tell my players to take it step by step, one game at a time. Of course we are confident of our capabilities but we will concentrate on this match now," he said.
However Akram's main worry will be the fact that four of his players have already received a yellow card.
A win today will ensure a last four berth.
Bahrain vs Iraq, 5.10pm, Al Nahyan Stadium, Al Wahda Club.
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