GROUP A leaders Bahrain will face off against hosts Thailand today in their third and final group game of the 2023 AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup in Pattaya.
With six points from their consecutive wins in their first two games, all Bahrain need to do is to secure a win to ensure that they seal a spot in the quarter-finals.
However, Thailand, who have three points from two games, will also be gunning for a win to increase their own chances of qualifying for the last-eight stage.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, who also have three points but are currently second in the table because of goal difference, will play Afghanistan – who have lost both their games – today in their bid to also make it to the quarter-finals.
Should Bahrain lose to Thailand – and, if Saudi Arabia do win against Afghanistan – all three teams will find themselves level on six points each, meaning that goal difference will decide which two go on to the next round.
Bahrain, of course, will have their sights set on maintaining their unbeaten record in the tournament, knowing that victory today will ensure they go straight through to the next stage.