Bahrain-UAE clash: An example of football brotherhood

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Hussain Almaskati

In a pre-game Press conference in Dubai, Bahrain’s head coach, Dragan Talajic, emphasized the significance of the upcoming match against the UAE.

He sees it as a valuable opportunity for his team to gauge their readiness for the third round of continental qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Despite both teams already securing their spots in the next stage of World Cup qualifiers and the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Talajic stressed the importance of going all out for victory, especially against a formidable opponent like the UAE.. Talajic highlighted the quality of the UAE team, acknowledging their skill and prowess on the field.

However, he expressed his team’s determination to secure a win while also aiming to showcase their best performance.

Despite the competitive nature of the match, Talajic emphasized the spirit of brotherhood between the two countries, underscoring the desire to enjoy the game and play attractive football.

Player’s Perspective

Bahrain’s star winger, Ali Madan, who plies his trade with Ajman Club in the UAE, echoed Talajic’s sentiments. He anticipates a challenging encounter against familiar opponents but wishes luck to all involved.

UAE head coach, Paulo Bento, emphasized the importance of continued development and improvement, viewing every match as an opportunity to enhance the team’s style and strategy.

Despite already qualifying for the next stage, Bento emphasized the need for a strong performance to achieve their goals and maintain their position among the elite teams in the qualifiers.