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| 2010 FIFA World Cup |
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| Fossati: Beware Bahrain backlash |
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| Qatar coach Jorge Fossati knows that Bahrain will be looking to bounce back from their opening round loss to Japan. (AFP) |
DOHA – Qatar coach Jorge Fossati warned his high-flying side to expect a stiff examination when they entertain Bahrain in their second World Cup qualifier at Al Sadd Stadium on Wednesday.
Goals from Majdi Siddiq, Magid Mohamed and Talal Al Bloushi ensured an excellent start to their Group A campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory over dark horses Uzbekistan in Doha on Saturday.
Bahrain, meanwhile, went down 3-2 at home to Japan but Fossati nevertheless insisted his charges must not take their Gulf neighbours lightly.
"Despite the 3-2 defeat against Japan, we must not underestimate Bahrain because they will be looking for a win on Wednesday," said the Uruguayan.
"We should approach the game fully concentrated because it will not be easy.
"We should not celebrate our win against Uzbekistan too much because we still have a long way to go," he added.
"Each match we play is separate from the other matches and our match against Bahrain has become the most important match for us.
“I hope that we can win on Wednesday to continue our excellent form."
Fossati will welcome the return of midfield duo Hussain Yasser and Wessam Rizik, who missed the victory over Uzbekistan through suspension, although Al Bloushi is sidelined after picking up his second yellow card of the competition last time out.
Bahrain, who arrived to Doha on Tuesday, will be without defender Mohamed Hussain after he was sent off in the second-half against Japan, while Faouzi Aaish is also ruled out after collecting a second booking against the East Asians.
Coach Milan Macala will, however, have midfielder Abdulla Fatadi available following suspension and the Czech coach is eager to put the disappointment of the Japan defeat behind them when they face Qatar.
"Personally I didn't expect that we would have such a bad performance against Japan," said Macala.
"We had a good comeback in the second half but it wasn't enough and I hope that we can recover in the match against Qatar.
"Unfortunately we will be missing two key players against Qatar as Faouzi Aaish and Mohamed Hussain are suspended," he added.
"We were not so lucky in the previous match and I hope that we can produce a better performance in the next game."
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