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Bahrain coach Milan Macala rates the Socceroos a better team than arch-rivals Japan and admits their Mark Schwarzer-inspired defence presents a daunting obstacle on Wednesday night.
The much-travelled Czech was quick to offer his congratulations to Australia’s coach Pim Verbeek and his team after they qualified for the 2010 World Cup finals with an 0-0 draw against Qatar.
But Macala doubted the Bahrainis would benefit from any relaxing by the Socceroos as they continue their own quest to qualify at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on Wednesday.
Bahrain needs one more point from its last two games to be sure of third place in Group A and thus, a shot at Group B’s third-placed team over two legs.
“For us we need one point, everything is in our hands and we dont want to wait until our last game against Uzbekistan,” said Macala.
Macala indicated he considered Australia stronger than fellow Group A team Japan, who also qualified for the finals with their 1-0 win over Uzbekistan at the weekend and are level on 14 points with the Socceroos.
“We’re playing against the best team from our group and a team that hasn’t conceded one goal,” said Macala in Sydney on Monday.
“They have one of the best goalkeepers in Asia, one of the best from England. Schwarzer from Fulham really is something extraordinary because during all qualification he did not concede one goal, which is good for him and good for the defence.”
Macala believed the Socceroos would be out to put on a big performance for their home fans in their remaining two qualifiers against his team and Japan.
“I don’t know who will play because the Australian national team has qualified with many players that are playing in Europe, most of their competitions are over in Europe, but that are tired and they won this group, maybe the coach will try other players,” said Macala.
“People might think that this is advantage but I don’t think so because many players are waiting for an opportunity to play and they want to show in front of a big crowd that they are good players.”
Bahrain’s Nigerian-born marksman Jaycee John, best known to Australian audiences for his dominant showing in November’s clash in Riffa, has made the trek to Sydney and headlines a line up that is weakened by the absence of prolific striker Aala Hubail through injury and midfielder Abdulla Fatadi – another naturalised Nigerian – through suspension.
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