Bahrain to push their limits against Serbia

TDT | Manama                  

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com  

Bahrain head coach Helio Sousa says it is a delight for the senior men’s national team to go up against world-class opponents, as they offer opportunities for his team to test their limits.

The Portuguese tactician said this during a Press conference yesterday ahead of the Bahrainis’ international friendly match against European giants Serbia tonight.

“It’s a pleasure,” Sousa said. “It is a fantastic moment to put ourselves against a very strong team, to push our limits.” The contest is scheduled for a 6.30pm kick-off at the Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Stadium in Arad. All are invited to attend the game. Tickets are available at the gate at BD3 apiece for category one seats and BD1 for category two seating. VIP tickets have already sold out.

“We want to keep evolving, keep growing up and face a high-level of quality players who have fantastic experience in many different championships around the world, especially in Europe.

“For sure, it is a fantastic experience for us to benefit. We must prepare the best we can and be as fit as we can be to win. “We must think of what we can do to win.” The game is part of the nationals’ preparations for their long-awaited title-defence in the Gulf Cup, which will be holding its 25th edition next year.

For the Serbians, it will be their last friendly before flying to Doha tomorrow to compete in the World Cup. The visitors travelled to the Kingdom with a 26-player squad selected by head coach Dragan Stojkovic, and immediately went to work on the training pitch.

Meanwhile, the official prematch technical meeting was held yesterday with representatives from both national teams taking part. At the meeting, the uniforms for both sides were presented to match officials. Bahrain’s friendly against the Serbians is the second of their ongoing training gathering. It follows their 2-2 draw against another FIFA World Cup participant in Canada.

The 25th Gulf Cup will be taking place in January of next year in Iraq. Bahrain won the previous edition of the Gulf Cup in 2019. It was an historic achievement for the national team after winning the title for the first time in nearly 50 years.

Bahrain hosted the first-ever edition of the regional competition in 1970 but had previously never won until then. They finished as runners-up four other times. Bahrain will also be taking part in the AFC Asian Cup 2023. The continental showcase will be held in June and July.