Latest news with #DraganTalajić
Daily Tribune
04-06-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
'Habibi, this is Bahrain,' says Talajić
TDT | Manama Bahrain's defining clash vs Saudi Arabia in 2026 qualifiers, tomorrow at 7PM Stād Al Bahrain Al Watanī (Bahrain National Stadium) in Riffa braces for a make-or-break match as Bahrain takes on Saudi Arabia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifiers. After a goalless draw in Jeddah in October, both sides step onto the pitch knowing that three points could shift the trajectory of their campaigns. Do-or-Die Tomorrow's game is Bahrain's final home fixture in the third round of Asian qualifiers, a stage where every result carries monumental weight. With Japan already qualified from Group C and Australia firmly in contention, the fight for third and fourth positions that offer a lifeline to the next round has intensified. Bahrain, currently fifth with six points, faces a Saudi side sitting third with 10. The margins are tight, and the outcome in Riffa could prove decisive. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Entry for Bahraini fans in the general stands is free, a gesture from the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) to pack the stadium with vocal support. VIP tickets, priced at BD20, and Category One tickets for Saudi supporters remain available. Preparation has been meticulous for Bahrain, guided by Croatian head coach Dragan Talajić. The squad has honed its tactics over recent weeks, culminating in a final training session last night at the National Stadium. Adding to the momentum, BFA Vice President Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Isa Al Khalifa visited the team on Monday at Shaikh Ali Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Stadium in Arad, offering encouragement that echoed through the camp. Talajić has instilled a sense of purpose in his players, applying tactical discipline with an understanding of the occasion. The team's resolve was evident in their last outing against Saudi Arabia, where they held strong defensively. Tomorrow, they'll need to be brave going forward and take the game to Hervé Renard's men. Voices from the Camp Talajić's pre-match press conference offered insight into his approach. "Big game is coming up against our big brothers, Saudi Arabia. Very difficult game for both of us, not just us, also them. They have great players, great coach, but habibi, they are coming to Bahrain," he said, acknowledging the quality of the opposition while subtly playing up the home advantage. His confidence was loud and clear: "We are in a situation where everything is in our hands, and I promise we will fight for our Kingdom." The coach reflected on past missteps: "I made some mistakes" but quickly pivoted to ambition. "We are aiming to win all the six points that are left, and I am proud of my players," he added. With Eid approaching, Talajić sees a win as a gift to the fans: "We want to celebrate together. We are Bahraini, we're always winners." Striker Mehdi Abduljabbar echoed this optimism. "We're going into the match with a positive attitude for the win. Our fans are hoping for a positive outcome, and we're going to do everything in our power to make them happy," he said. His belief in the team's potential was clear: "In the world of football, nothing is over." Group C Puzzle Group C has been a relentless challenge and full of twists and turns. Japan lead with an impeccable 20 points, their World Cup spot secured. Australia, with 13 points, are poised to join them. Saudi Arabia (10 points) and Indonesia (9 points) sit above Bahrain and China, both locked at six points but separated by goal difference. Tomorrow's result could reshape the standings, with third and fourth place offering passage to a fourth round group stage. There, group winners qualify directly, while runners-up face a playoff route to the global finals. Bahrain's path is narrow but not impassable. Victory over Saudi Arabia, followed by a result against China in Chongqing next Tuesday, could put them in contention. The numbers tell a story of struggle, but football thrives on moments of defiance. Fans' Role in the Fight The Bahraini faithful will be the heartbeat of tomorrow's effort. Free entry ensures a sea of red and white, a visual and vocal force that Talajić and his players are counting on. Abduljabbar highlighted their impact: "We know our fans will be there backing us from the opening whistle, and it will push us." The team's final home stand in this round carries an emotional weight and a chance to unite a nation in celebration before the Eid holidays. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, comes in with World Cup pedigree and purpose, and a win would solidify their grip on a qualification spot. But playing in Riffa, against a Bahrain side fuelled by desperation and home support, presents a tough challenge. One Last Push Tomorrow's 7PM kickoff is a testament to Bahrain's footballing spirit. The stakes are clear: a win keeps the World Cup dream flickering; a loss dims it significantly. They will also be keeping a close eye on Indonesia's clash with China at 4:45PM, as the result could have a direct impact on Bahrain's path in Group C. Talajić's men have prepared, the fans are ready, and the stage is set. Bahrain will be hoping to draw confidence from their 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia last December in the Gulf Cup and channel that belief into this qualifier. In a group led by giants like Japan and Australia, this match gives Bahrain a chance to shape their own narrative and keep the dream of a first-ever World Cup qualification alive.
Daily Tribune
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain National Football Team Kicks Off Training Camp
TDT | Manama The Bahrain national football team began their training camp as preparations intensified for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Saudi Arabia and China. These fixtures, scheduled for June 5 and June 10, are vital in Bahrain's pursuit of their first-ever World Cup appearance. Focused on Recovery and Fitness The initial session prioritized player recovery and fitness restoration, featuring stretching routines and light exercises designed to ease the squad back into full training mode following their recent club commitments. Sixteen players participated in this opening session, with anticipation high for the arrival of additional teammates from Al Khaldiya Club and professionals currently completing duties in Kuwait. Among those already training is Olympic squad player Sayed Mahmoud Al Moussawi, who adds youthful energy and versatility to the group. Squad and Stakes Coach Dragan Talajić has named a 25-man squad with seasoned veterans with promising talent. Notable names include goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfallah, midfielders Mehdi AlHumaidan and AlSayyed Mahdi Baqer, and Vincent Emmanuel, whose firepower upfront is expected to be crucial. With the qualifiers intensifying, Bahrain currently sits fifth in Group C, trailing Japan and Australia who hold the top two automatic World Cup qualification spots. Only the top two teams secure direct qualification, while third and fourth enter playoff rounds, meaning Bahrain must capitalize on their upcoming home clash against Saudi Arabia to keep their dream alive.
Daily Tribune
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's World Cup Dream Hinges on Saudi Clash
TDT | Manama Bahrain's national team will begin a domestic training camp on 28 May ahead of their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia on 5 June at Bahrain National Stadium. The five-night camp will be held at the Wyndham Hotel in Bahrain Bay, providing head coach Dragan Talajić and his players a final opportunity to prepare for a match that could prove pivotal in Group C of the AFC Third Round Qualifiers. Speaking to TDT, Bahrain midfielder Mehdi Humaidan remained upbeat about the team's qualification chances: "The group is still wide open, and in football, anything can happen. We've shown what we're capable of — beating Saudi on our way to the Gulf Cup title gave us real belief. Now it's about carrying that momentum into this decisive stage." Tight Group, High Stakes Japan lead the six-team group, already qualified with 20 unbeaten points and an impressive +22 goal difference. Australia hold second with 13 points, followed by Saudi Arabia in third with 10. Bahrain sit fifth with six points from six matches, just behind Indonesia in fourth, while China remain bottom with six points. Only the top two sides in the group will secure automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Third and fourth-placed teams will enter additional play-off rounds. Victory in Riffa would move Bahrain closer to their Gulf neighbours and keep hopes of qualifying for their first-ever World Cup alive. Mixed Form for Both Sides Bahrain opened their third-round campaign with a shock 1-0 win over Australia in September but have struggled for consistency since, managing just two 5 in 8 matches. The rest of Bahrain's qualifying campaign has been a rollercoaster. The 0-0 draw away to Saudi Arabia on October 15 was followed by a narrow 1-0 home defeat to China on November 14. Just days later, they fought to a highly entertaining 2-2 draw against Australia on November 19. The new year brought tougher challenges, including a 2-0 loss away to group leaders Japan on March 20. Most notably, on March 25, Bahrain suffered a 1-0 defeat to Indonesia — a fixture charged with extra tension given the bitter rivalry and fiery exchanges between Bahraini and Indonesian fans in the qualifiers. Saudi Arabia, under the guidance of former Morocco and Ivory Coast coach Hervé Renard, have shown inconsistent form this campaign. In the qualifiers, the Saudis have managed just two wins from eight matches, alongside two losses and four draws. Despite this patchy record, they currently sit in a promising third place in the group, which secures them a spot in the playoff round. A Historic Rivalry The upcoming fixture reignites a fierce Gulf rivalry between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Bahrain famously ended Saudi Arabia's 2010 World Cup hopes with a dramatic 2-2 draw in Riyadh, advancing on away goals. They also secured a memorable 1-0 win over the Green Falcons in the 2019 Gulf Cup final to claim their first major regional title. More recently, Bahrain continued their dominance by defeating Saudi Arabia en route to lifting the Gulf Cup again at the start of 2025. Despite these memorable moments, Bahrain have generally struggled against their more decorated neighbours. Saudi Arabia, who impressed at the last World Cup in Qatar, famously defeated the eventual champions, Argentina, in the group stage—a match that will be remembered for its stunning upset. What's Next Following the match against Saudi Arabia, Bahrain will face China away in their last qualifiers on June 10. A home win on 5 June could reignite Bahrain's campaign — and rekindle memories of past upsets.
Daily Tribune
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's World Cup Hopes on the Line Against Indonesia
Bahrain's World Cup Hopes on the Line Against Indonesia Bahrain's national team head into a critical AFC World Cup qualifier today, knowing that anything less than three points against Indonesia could spell the end of their 2026 hopes. At a press conference yesterday, head coach Dragan Talajić emphasized the stakes, saying, We have great respect for the Indonesian team and look forward to showcasing our quality in the upcoming match. Everything has been going smoothly in Jakarta—the people here are wonderful, and social media doesn't always reflect the full picture. We're not focusing on Indonesia's last game against Australia; our attention is fully on preparing for tomorrow's big match. Goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla added, 'We appreciate the Indonesian people for their warm welcome and hospitality. Our goal is to strengthen our position in the standings by securing three points and creating a gap between us and the competition." Despite the controversy surrounding the October match, the Bahraini squad has nothing but praise for Indonesia, highlighting their hospitality and competitive spirit. With both sides locked on six points in Group C, the clash at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (kick-off 4:45 PM Bahrain time) is as high-stakes as they come. Crunch Time in Group C With Japan already through and Australia (10 points), Saudi Arabia (9), and China (6) still battling for qualification spots, Bahrain and Indonesia are fighting to keep their chances alive. A win would take either side to nine points—potentially dragging them back into contention. A defeat, however, could leave them staring at an early exit. Dragan Talajić's Bahrain side arrive off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Japan on March 20, where defensive vulnerabilities were exposed. Mohamed Marhoon, who struck twice in the reverse fixture—a 2-2 draw in Riffa—remains a key figure, while Sayed Dhiya will be tasked with dictating play in midfield. Indonesia, meanwhile, are licking their wounds after a 5-1 hammering by Australia. Patrick Kluivert's men have shown flashes of attacking promise, with Rafael Struick finding the net against Bahrain last time out, but their leaky defence remains a major concern. Hostile Atmosphere Awaits Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is renowned for its intimidating atmosphere, and Bahrain will have to cope with both the crowd and a fired-up Indonesian side desperate to respond after their Sydney setback. The October meeting in Bahrain ended in controversy, with Indonesia furious at a late equaliser deep into stoppage time—fueling tensions ahead of this reverse fixture. Bahrain have spent the past few days acclimatising in Jakarta, fine-tuning their tactics and fitness levels. They'll need all of that preparation to withstand what promises to be an aggressive, high-tempo start from the hosts. A Must-Win for Bahrain With just two matches remaining after this—Saudi Arabia at home (June 5), China away (June 10)—Bahrain cannot afford to slip up. The margin for error is razor-thin. Expect a cagey, nervy affair with chances at both ends. Bahrain will look to Marhoon's finishing and Dhiya's creativity, while Indonesia will hope their home advantage and attacking pace can make the difference. It's set up to be a thriller, but with so much on the line, Bahrain will be feeling the pressure and looking to rise to the occasion.
Daily Tribune
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
No Room for Error
Bahrain's World Cup Hopes on the Line Against Indonesia Bahrain's national team head into a pivotal AFC World Cup qualifier today, knowing that anything less than three points against Indonesia could spell the end of their 2026 hopes. With both sides locked on six points in Group C, the clash at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (kick-off 4:45 PM Bahrain time) is as high-stakes as they come. Crunch Time in Group C With Japan already through and Australia (10 points), Saudi Arabia (9), and China (7) still battling for qualification spots, Bahrain and Indonesia are fighting to keep their chances alive. A win would take either side to nine points—potentially dragging them back into contention. A defeat, however, could leave them staring at an early exit. Dragan Talajić's Bahrain side arrive off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Japan on March 20, where defensive vulnerabilities were exposed. Mohamed Marhoon, who struck twice in the reverse fixture—a 2-2 draw in Riffa—remains a key figure, while Sayed Dhiya will be tasked with dictating play in midfield. Indonesia, meanwhile, are licking their wounds after a 5-1 hammering by Australia. Shin Tae-yong's men have shown flashes of attacking promise, with Rafael Struick finding the net against Bahrain last time out, but their leaky defence remains a major concern. Hostile Atmosphere Awaits Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is renowned for its intimidating atmosphere, and Bahrain will have to cope with both the crowd and a fired-up Indonesian side desperate to respond after their Sydney setback. The October meeting in Bahrain ended in controversy, with Indonesia furious at a late equaliser deep into stoppage time—fueling tensions ahead of this reverse fixture. Bahrain have spent the past few days acclimatising in Jakarta, fine-tuning their tactics and fitness levels. They'll need all of that preparation to withstand what promises to be an aggressive, high-tempo start from the hosts. A Must-Win for Bahrain With just three matches remaining after this—Saudi Arabia at home (June 5), China away (June 10), and a final-day showdown with Australia (June 25)—Bahrain cannot afford to slip up. The margin for error is razor-thin. Expect a cagey, nervy affair with chances at both ends. Bahrain will look to Marhoon's finishing and Dhiya's creativity, while Indonesia will hope their home advantage and attacking pace can make the difference. It's set up to be a thriller, but with so much on the line, Bahrain will be feeling the pressure and looking to rise to the occasion.
