Bahrain national team coach, Croatian Dragan Talajic, said that he is proud of the national team players, describing them as “wonderful and champions,” after their victory over Kuwait 1-0, the day before yesterday, in the semi-final of the Gulf Football Cup (Gulf 26).
Bahrain won thanks to Mohammed Marhoon’s goal in the 75th minute of the match, which was held at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, even though it played most of the second half with 10 players.
Talajic said in a press conference after the match: “We reached the final because of these heroic players. They are the reason for this performance, and I was the only one who put the final touch in the end.”
“Congratulations to the players,” he added. Congratulations to the Kuwaiti team as well for the great performance. Their players put a lot of pressure on us in the last 20 minutes, but I congratulate the Bahrain players. I am proud of them. They are amazing.”
Talajic congratulated the Kuwait Football Association for organizing “this wonderful tournament, and this wonderful atmosphere, in the presence of about 65,000 spectators” in the semi-final match.
Regarding how to deal with public pressure, Talajic said: “I thank the fans who attended. Their presence is what created this beautiful atmosphere in which we played.”
He stressed that “the Bahraini fans were also present, with about 5,000 spectators, and they supported us among about 60,000 Kuwaiti fans. I thank them and say to them: Congratulations to Bahrain.”
The Croatian coach refused to comment on the referee’s decision to expel Mahdi Abdul-Jabbar, the Bahrain player, in the 52nd minute after receiving a second warning, stressing that this was not his job.
He added: “My job is to prepare the players.” There is no comment on the ruling.”
He stressed that his players were prepared for such a scenario in the event that one of the players was expelled.
He continued, “They reacted quickly and thought quickly. They practiced different scenarios and applied them in the match. “They are so wonderful, I can’t say more than that.”
He explained that his team would prepare to resume its campaign in the World Cup qualifiers, stressing that this generation of players “will leave their mark” in the history of Bahraini football.
He said, “The Bahraini fans who came to support their country’s national team in Kuwait are looking forward to winning the Gulf title, and we will be very keen to make them happy.”
. 5,000 spectators supported us, among about 60,000 Kuwaitis, and celebrated our qualification.
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