It's all to play for Wednesday between Bahrain and Trinidad & Tobago. Both countries will be going for their first World Cup appearance.
World Cup 2006 Playoff, Second Leg
When: 16:00 GMT, Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Where: National Stadium, Manama, Bahrain
BACKGROUND
Trinidad & Tobago must be entering this tie with mixed emotions. On the one hand they still have a shot at qualifying for the World Cup if they can eek out something along the lies of a 1-0 victory. On the other hand, their nervous performance and hackneyed defense during Saturday’s home leg cannot conjure up anything but uneasiness heading into the uncharted territory of Bahrain.
“It’s a little bit from two sides. One side says it’s a little bit disappointing and on the other hand I can I live with the draw simply because I know we didn’t play very well," said T&T boss Leo Beenhakker after Saturday's 1-1 draw in Port of Spain.
"I have to say that we played far below our normal level. We have to accept it. Sometimes it happens in football. Not everyday is the same day," continued Beenhakker. "We now have to prepare ourselves for the second match and in that way it’s still what I said before this game which is that both teams have a 50 percent possibility. This 50 percent from our side is still there."
But the tiny Asian federation of Bahrain probably have slightly better than a 50/50 chance to make the World Cup. They’ve got that crucial away goal, and since they are playing at home one would think their finishing will be sharper, especially if the Soca Warriors play shakily along the back like they did on Saturday.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Bahrain
Manager Luca Peruzovic will be missing two players for this vital match. Captain Mohamed Salmeen and defender Abdulla Marzooq are suspended for accumulation of yellow cards. The absence of both players undoubtedly will be felt, especially if Bahrain lose this match. In addition Talal Yusef is carrying a knock
Trinidad & Tobago
The Soca Warriors do not appear to have any major personnel issues and manager Leo Beenhakker should have a full selection to choose from.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bahrain
Ala-a Hubail: We picked him last match as well, but with Salmeen out with with Yusef ailing it may be a moment of brilliance from Hubail that is necessary to clinch Bahrain’s place amongst the field of 32.
Trinidad & Tobago
Marvin Andrews: It was Andrews’ mark who headed Bahrain into a short-lived lead, and as one of the senior players along the back line Andrews will have to do a better job not only of marking but of organizing his teammates who are certain to face a lot of pressure on the road. Andrews also had a golden opportunity to head his side into the lead in the first half but his shot went straight at the goalkeeper. Nevertheless, Andrews will be a big focal point of his country’s set pieces and could literally head his team in the direction toward Germany on Wednesday.
PREDICTION
The Soca Warriors certainly have the class and ability with the fancy Russell Latapy and attacking duo of Stern John and Dwight Yorke, but this triumvirate is pretty old -- maybe too old to stand up over this condensed, two leg playoff -- and they will need some precision service from the flanks to inflict upon Bahrain the type of danger they are capable. But to be frank Trinidad & Tobago’s defense was highly suspect for the first leg and the Soca Warriors should make sure they don't concede before sending the kitchen sink forward. Fortunately for the Soca Warriors, Bahrain, with nerves of their own playing so far away from home, failed to take advantage of some of the more egregious defensive errors. Bahrain also hold the experience of their playoff against Uzbekistan, where they managed to defend successfully a 1-1 aggregate with a scoreless draw at home. Back home in Manama we expect Bahrain’s efforts in the first leg will prove crucial here.
Bahrain 0, Trinidad & Tobago 0
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