Bahrain Frustrated At New Zealand World Cup Play-Off Stalemate
Failing to score wasn't what the hosts had in mind...
Bahrain were frustrated by their inability to break down New Zealand in the first leg of their 2010 World Cup play-off in Manama but coach Milan Macala insists that the tie is not over yet after a goalless draw.
The hosts attacked from the beginning, roared on by a noisy National Stadium, but were unable to turn possession into clear chances as the All Whites defended well.
Jaycee John, Salman Isa and Husain Ali had and then spurned opportunities, unable to find a way past Mark Paston in the New Zealand goal.
Macala admitted that the game had not gone to plan.
"We didn't have our expected form in the first half but things improved in the second period and the performance was better,” Macala said according to PA Sport.
“We had a lot of scoring chances but we couldn't convert them to goals," said Macala.
The return leg takes place on November 14 in Wellington and the Czech tactician is already looking ahead.
"We have a lot of time before the second leg and we will prepare well for the game.
"We wanted to have a good result tonight to have a good advantage before the second leg but this didn't happen and hopefully we can qualify in the return leg."