Latest news with #MehdiHumaidan
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
27-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's World Cup Hopes Hang in Balance After Indonesia Loss
Bahrain's bid for their first-eve World Cup appearance took a hit on Tuesday with a 1-0 loss to Indonesia in the third round of Asian qualifiers for 2026. The loss at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, their fourth in eight outings, leaves them with six points in Group C. Yet, head coach Dragan Talajić remains defiant, insisting the race remains wide open. Japan lead the group with an unbeaten 20 points, securing qualification after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, who sit third on 10 points. Australia strengthened their hold on second with a 2-0 win over China, rising to 13 points. Indonesia's win lifted them to nine points, three ahead of Bahrain, while China linger bottom with six. With third and fourth spots offering a path to the next stage, Talajic sees hope. 'Everything is open,' he said in his post-match press conference. 'Now, only Japan is qualified, and Australia have to fight more to be sure to qualify as the second team. Positions three and four are open. Indonesia is in a better position than us, but they have to play Japan next—it's still open.' The Croatian tactician rued a missed opportunity against Indonesia. 'Congratulations to them for the win,' he added. 'From my side, I'm a little upset because I think we deserved at least a draw. One mistake—a small detail—allowed them to score.' In a group Talajic calls 'very heavy,' Bahrain's resilience will be key to keeping their dream alive. Mehdi Humaidan: A Mirror to Bahrain's Fight Midfielder Mehdi Humaidan embodies that spirit. His football journey began in Al-Ahli's youth system, where his talent stood out despite facing older opponents. Multiple best player awards paved the way to the first team by 17 or 18, and his debut season ended with a league title—a moment he calls 'unforgettable.' But the leap to senior level exposed Bahrain's footballing challenges. 'Making that jump wasn't easy,' he says, recalling the struggle to balance education with sport amid limited resources and financial support—hurdles familiar to many young Bahraini players. Seeking growth, Humaidan moved to Saudi club Al-Qadsiah. The stint offered a taste of a more competitive league, with higher expectations and better structure sharpening his game. 'It was a new challenge,' he reflects. Yet, an injury at a crucial time cut his spell short, forcing a return home. Worse followed—a year-and-a-half break from professional football when he was in top form. 'The timing was frustrating,' he admits, but the setback only hardened his resolve. A Call for Recognition Humaidan's experiences abroad highlighted Bahrain's lag in investment and exposure compared to regional powerhouses like Saudi Arabia and Qatar. 'Bahraini footballers deserve greater recognition,' he insists, pointing to the talent that goes unnoticed without stronger infrastructure and media focus. His plea echoes as Bahrain battles in Group C, where every point counts toward a World Cup lifeline. The dream of reaching the tournament drives him still. Beyond playing, Humaidan has earned coaching and sports management certifications, eyeing a future role in the game. To young players, he offers hard-earned wisdom: 'Talent alone isn't enough—dedication, discipline, and persistence are what matter.' The Road Ahead Bahrain's campaign now hinges on capitalizing on their remaining matches, with Humaidan's grit a vital asset. Talajic's belief in an open race and Humaidan's push for support converge on a shared goal: elevating Bahrain's football stature. A third or fourth-place finish could keep their World Cup hopes flickering, proving that in this tricky group, determination might yet carve a path to qualification.
