Latest news with #DraganTalajic
Al Arabiya
4 days ago
- General
- Al Arabiya
Exclusive Bahrain coach Dragan Talajic eyes Saudi Arabia upset and dreams of World Cup
When Bahrain faces Saudi Arabia in a crunch 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday, it is aiming to do more than just end its neighbors hopes of an automatic spot at the tournament. Bahrain has twice suffered heartache at the final hurdle in its bid to play in a maiden FIFA World Cup – losing intercontinental play-offs to Trinidad and Tobago in 2006 and New Zealand in 2010; now, current coach Dragan Talajic is determined to make history for the Gulf nation. On paper, Thursday's clash with Bahrain should be straightforward for Herve Renard's side. Saudi Arabia is a three-time Asian champion with a domestic league that is now watched all over the world – containing some of the planet's finest players. In this season's AFC Champions League Elite, the Kingdom provided both the winner in Al Ahli and the competition's top scorer in Salem al-Dawsari. 'Al-Dawsari is unbelievably talented,' Bahrain coach Talajic told Al Arabiya English in an exclusive interview. 'He is a strong player, a beautiful attacking player who has been in great form in the Saudi Pro League. 'But we cannot concentrate only on Salem al-Dawsari. Saudi Arabia has very good players, a very good coach and of course a lot of respect from me. But we know what we will try to do to stop al-Dawsari; we have to play like a team to try to control space. Football is a game of 11 against 11.' Despite the apparent disparity between the two nations on the pitch, Bahrain has only lost one of its past six matches against the Green Falcons – a record that stretches back to 2014. Talajic's team held Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 draw in Jeddah last October and then went a step further in December by claiming a 3-2 victory in the group stage of the Arabian Gulf Cup – a tournament that Bahrain went on to win. The 0-0 World Cup qualifying draw was a particularly special moment for Talajic as it represented a return to Jeddah, a city in which he is fondly remembered. In 2004, the Croatian coach led Al Ittihad to its first ever AFC Champions League title as Talajic and his players overturned a 3-1 first leg defeat to Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma – winning 5-0 in South Korea to lift the trophy in spectacular style. 'These are unbelievable memories,' Talajic said of the 2004 final. 'This was a long time ago but really was the start of my journey winning trophies in my career. I am so proud of what we achieved at Al Ittihad. 'Back then I was young and just at the start of my coaching career but we managed to have this incredible result – the 5-0 win, which is still a record [AFC Champions League final score]. I still have a close relationship with Al Ittihad and I am happy to see the team performing well again this year with Benzema.' The AFC Champions League was Talajic's first piece of silverware, but certainly not his last. The 59-year-old has spent much of the past two decades in the Gulf, winning trophies at Al Wahdat in Jordan, and Al Kuwait and Al Khalidya in Bahrain. Most recently, he led the Bahrain national team to only its second Arabian Gulf Cup triumph. 'We went there as underdog because I think this was maybe the strongest ever Gulf Cup; seven of the eight countries are playing in the last round of qualification for the World Cup and all of them had full teams. 'I don't think anybody else thought we would win but I certainly believed we could do it and I'm really proud about what my boys did in this tournament.' On its way to victory, Bahrain beat Saudi Arabia 3-2 in the group stage – a result that fills Talajic with confidence ahead of this week's World Cup qualifying encounter. 'I think we took Saudi Arabia by surprise then and we will also prepare for this next game in a good way,' Talajic explained. 'The confidence is increasing a lot among the players – not just because of the Gulf Cup but this World Cup qualification too. 'You can see that they are trusting themselves more because we are performing well against these big teams like Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia. A big credit goes to my staff too – I want to thank them because every success we have now is down to them. Of course I make the final decisions but without the whole team, we will do nothing.' Bahrain is currently fifth in Group C, three points behind fourth-placed Indonesia. The teams that finish third and fourth will progress to the Fourth Round of qualifying and while Talajic knows it will not be easy, he insists his players are capable of moving a step closer to a first FIFA World Cup. 'We are in a more difficult situation but our future is in our hands,' Talajic said. 'If we win these next two games against Saudi Arabia and China, we have qualified for the next round. We have our dream and we are in this together. 'We will do our job, do our best and I believe in my boys. I also believe in all the support of Bahraini people and I think we have a beautiful chance to reach the World Cup with Bahrain.'
Daily Tribune
19-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Take on Japan Today at Saitama Stadium 2002
Bahrain's footballers head to Saitama Stadium today with a shot at derailing Japan's World Cup qualification party. Hajime Moriyasu's side can become the first team to book their spot at the 2026 finals with a win, but Dragan Talajic's men, riding high after picking up the Gulf Cup, are determined to upset the script and keep their own hopes alive in Group C. Japan's Juggernaut Looms Japan have been dominant in the AFC qualifiers, collecting 16 points from six games with 22 goals scored. Their only dropped points came in a draw with Australia. A win today guarantees a top-two finish in Group C, securing their place alongside hosts USA, Canada, and Mexico at the finals. Japan have lost just twice in their last 28 home qualifiers, and Bahrain have felt the pressure with four straight defeats, including a crushing 5-0 loss in Riffa last September. "It's about playing to our strengths and securing the win," Moriyasu said last week. His squad is packed with talent, including Kaoru Mitoma and Takefusa Kubo. With 22 wins in their last 25 international matches, Japan's form is imposing, but Bahrain still have hope. Bahrain's Moment of Magic? Talajic's side are not just here to make up the numbers. Sitting fifth in the group with seven points, they are just one point behind Australia in second and level with Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and China. Their single win in six qualifiers does not tell the full story. They have won four of their last five matches across all competitions, including a 2-1 Gulf Cup comeback against Oman. Mohamed Marhoon, the hero of that final, will lead the attack, supported by a defence that has kept six clean sheets in seven away qualifiers. "Every match is a final, we've got belief", Mahdi Humaidan told The Daily Tribune. Japan have not conceded more than a goal at home since 2016, making Bahrain's challenge a difficult one, but not impossible. Key Men in the Mix Bahrain's hopes rest on Marhoon's creativity in attack, with Waleed Al-Hayam and Amine Benadi holding firm at the back. Abdulla Al-Khalasi's pace could stretch Japan's defence. On the other side, Mitoma's speed, Kubo's vision, and Ayase Ueda's goal-scoring ability, now back from injury, pose a serious threat. The return of Hiroki Ito strengthens Japan's defence. This is a battle between Bahrain's resilience and Japan's firepower, where one moment could change everything. Group C's Crunch Time Beyond Japan's lead, the group remains tightly contested. Australia take on Indonesia in Patrick Kluivert's coaching debut, while Saudi Arabia host China in another crucial match. Bahrain know that securing a result today keeps them in the mix, but Saitama is a tough place to earn points. Japan have netted 46 goals in the last two rounds, while Bahrain have managed just seven in this stage. With four games left, a surprise result today could reshape the race for qualification. The Big Call Japan, who stunned Germany and Spain in the 2022 World Cup, enter as clear favourites. Bahrain enter the match with confidence, knowing that football is full of surprises. A strong performance could turn the tide, keeping their World Cup dreams alive; a draw would make a strong statement, but a win would be a huge boost to their qualification hopes. Saitama awaits, and time will tell if Bahrain can rise to the occasion.
Daily Tribune
11-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Dragan intensifies training as Japan trip looms
Bahrain's senior men's football team is in full swing, conducting continuous outdoor training sessions in preparation for their seventh and eighth round matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They face Japan on March 20 and Indonesia on March 25, and the stakes are high. Croatian coach Dragan Talajic has ramped up the intensity as the team gears up for their departure to Japan this Thursday, March 13, focusing on tactical refinement and boosting the players' physical fitness. Talajic's sessions have zeroed in on fine-tuning technical tactics while pushing the squad's conditioning to the limit. The added effort comes at a critical time, with the team aiming to hit peak form for these away challenges. Notably, Mohammed Marhoon, currently with Kuwait SC, has joined the collective drills, bringing his experience to the fold. His teammate Komail Al Aswad, playing for Al-Arabi Kuwait, is expected to join soon, though his club commitments have delayed his arrival. With the Japan and Indonesia fixtures looming, the integration of overseas professionals like Marhoon signals a unified effort under Talajic's guidance. The training ground buzzes with determination, as the team looks to harness their preparations for a strong showing in the qualifiers, carrying the hopes of a nation eager for a World Cup breakthrough.
Daily Tribune
09-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
National team gears up for World Cup Qualifier away matches against Japan and Indonesia
TDT | Manama Bahrain's senior men's football team have begun their build-up for the next phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, assembling at the Bahrain Football Association's pitches in Riffa's Isa Sports City. Head coach Dragan Talajic is steering the squad through training ahead of two critical away fixtures in Group C: Japan on March 20 at Saitama Stadium 2002, and Indonesia on March 25 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. The team departs for Japan this Thursday, with these matches—the seventh and eighth in this round—carrying the weight of Bahrain's dream to reach the finals for the first time. Bahrain's senior men's football team have begun their build-up for the next phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, assembling at the Bahrain Football Association's pitches in Riffa's Isa Sports City. Head coach Dragan Talajic is steering the squad through training ahead of two critical away fixtures in Group C: Japan on March 20 at Saitama Stadium 2002, and Indonesia on March 25 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Humaidan: Japan a Test, but Points Are the Prize Bahrain linger in fifth in Group C with six points, tied with Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and China after six games. Japan dominate with 16 points, their only slip a draw, while Australia sit second with seven. Speaking exclusively to The Daily Tribune (TDT), forward Mahdi Humaidan laid bare the stakes. 'We've got four matches left, and every one matters,' he said. 'Japan's one of the continent's strongest sides, no question, but we're going there hoping to grab points.' Humaidan's focus then shifted to Indonesia, a direct rival on equal footing. 'They're right there with us on points—we'll tackle them next, one game at a time.' With the top two securing direct qualification and third or fourth entering a play-off, Bahrain's mixed bag—a 1-0 win over Australia, a 5-0 drubbing by Japan—demands sharper consistency. Talajic Leans on Gulf Cup Backbone The Croatian manager has called up a 26-man squad, built around the core that clinched the 26th Gulf Cup title in January. Strikers Mahdi Abduljabbar and Abdulla Yusuf, each with two goals in the campaign, lead the attack, while Ebrahim Lutfalla remains a rock in goal. Komail Al Aswad's creativity in midfield and Waleed Al Hayyam's reliability at the back are vital, with Abdulla Al Khalasi—whose strike sank Australia—bringing edge. The squad, featuring Mohammed Jassim Marhoon, Ali Madan, and Ahmed Bughammar among others, marks their first competitive reunion since the Gulf Cup, and Talajic is banking on that spark to ignite their qualifying push. A Tight Group and a Bigger Picture The third round pits three groups against each other, feeding into the expanded 2026 tournament across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Group A sees Iran, Qatar, and Uzbekistan jostle with UAE, Kyrgyzstan, and North Korea, while Group B has South Korea, Iraq, and Jordan facing Oman, Palestine, and Kuwait. Bahrain's Group C is the most congested, and Humaidan knows the upcoming tests—Japan's fluid play and Indonesia's home tenacity—will reveal their mettle. 'Our goal is to win every match,' he told TDT. 'That's the best gift we can give the fans.' Looking ahead to Saudi Arabia at home on June 5 and China away on June 10, he added: 'We're aiming to pile up points for second place, inshAllah. Even if luck turns, third or fourth and a play-off shot would still keep us in the fight.' Talajic, who guided Al-Shorta to Iraq's league title in 2022, has the pedigree to galvanise this side, but the margins remain punishingly slim.
