3/21/2008
gulf-daily-news.com

BAHRAIN escaped with a hard-earned 1-0 win over Iran last night in an international friendly match played at the National Stadium in Riffa.

Defender Mohammed Hussain scored the lone goal when he slotted home from close range in the 64th minute, breathing life into a physical yet quiet match that saw the visitors reduced to 10 men in the closing minutes.

The game was part of both teams' preparations for their Fifa World Cup third round qualifying matches this Wednesday, when Bahrain host Asian powerhouses Japan and Iran travel to Kuwait.

Bahrain coach Milan Macala later told the GDN: "Based on tonight's result, we are not ready for Japan. 1-0 is very good against a team like Iran who are many places ahead of us in the world rankings, but we must be better prepared to have any chance in our next match."

Hussain's winner followed a brilliant individual display from forward Ismaeel Abdullateef. The Asian player of the year candidate dribbled from his own half past four opposing players to set up teammate Salman Isa on the left of goal, whose shot was punched away by Irani goalkeeper Mehdi Rahmati.

But the ensuing corner could not be cleared by Iran's porous defence, and the ball found its way to an unmarked Hussain who was metres from the line. He made no mistake in his left-footed attempt, sending Bahrain's fans into frenzy.

Both squads had solid chances in an eventful final quarter-hour, but neither could capitalise. Iran's Mehrzad Madanchi came close on successive possessions with powerful strikes from outside the box.

His first shot was just inches off as it hit the right post, while the second was brilliantly parlayed by Bahrain's inspired number one goalkeeper Sayed Mohammed Jaffar.

Minutes later, the hosts came up with their own valuable opportunity on a brilliant counter-attack that sent Abdulla Al Dakheel past Iran's back-line.

The youngster was headed for a one-on-one with Rahmati, but was then brought down on a careless challenge from Andranik Teymourian only steps from the penalty area. Teymourian was subsequently sent off for the tackle, but Sayed Mohammed Adnan failed to make anything of the ensuing free-kick which was their last shot on goal.

The victory was Bahrain's second in a row tuning up for Japan, but Macala asserted that they must be better prepared for the upcoming clash.

Japan, currently training in the UAE, will arrive on Monday. Both are tied atop group 'B' with three points apiece, while Iran are third in group 'E'. Only the top two from each group advance to the final qualifying round.