Bahrain head coach Dragan Talajic was once again all praise for the kingdom’s senior men’s football national team after they qualified for the semi-finals of the 26th Gulf Cup in Kuwait.
The Bahrainis became the first team to book their place in the tournament’s last four on Wednesday night after defeating defending champions Iraq 2-0 in their second Group B contest of the preliminary round.
Talajic congratulated the kingdom’s wise leadership for the national team’s success so far, and expressed his utmost pride in his players for their formidable “spirit” in representing Bahrain.
“I can say I am so proud of my boys,” Talajic said during his post-match Press conference. “They are doing what we prepared for the game. I am so proud for how they listened, how they played, and how they fought.
“The most important is how they showed spirit for our kingdom and our people.
“It was a very hard game. Mabrook for Iraq, they tried to play a good game, but we played a little bit better than them, and hamdullah, we got the win.”
Talajic said that despite already booking their place in the last four, they are still focused only on their concluding Group B fixture tomorrow against Yemen, who are already eliminated from contending for the knockout stage.
“Now, we are only thinking about Yemen,” Talajic said. “After that, we will think about the semi-finals.”
Talajic delivered a message of thanks to all of Bahrain’s fans who made the trip to Kuwait City for the contest.
“Mabrook for all Bahrain fans who came and supported us,” said the Croatian. “They were our 12th player on the field, and all who came have my full respect.
“Thank you for coming to support our national team.”
Bahrain play Yemen at Sulaibikhat Stadium and while Iraq face off with Saudi Arabia at Al Ahmad International Stadium, also tomorrow. Both contests are slated for simultaneous 5.30pm kick-offs. The matches will determine the final ranking in the pool.
The semi-finals are set for Tuesday next week and then the final will be held on January 3.
The tournament champions will come away with a cool $1 million in prize money, while the runners-up will pocket $750,000.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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