Manama: Gulf Cup hosts Bahrain face Qatar in a must-win encounter at the National Stadium from 6.45pm UAE time today. The match will decide who will join the UAE into the semi-finals from Group A.
This decisive fixture runs simultaneously with the UAE-Oman match at Khalifa Stadium, where Oman also needs a win to keep their title chances alive.
Qatar lost 3-1 against the UAE in their opening game, while Bahrain and Oman recorded a goalless draw. The Qataris recovered to beat Oman 2-1, while Bahrain lost 2-1 to the UAE.
Results after two matches apiece leave the UAE top on six points, Qatar second on three and Bahrain and Oman level in last with a point apiece.
Qatar coach Paulo Autouri said: “It will be a tough match; it is decisive for both teams. I hope that all the players can control their anxiousness and be ready to play good football.”
Autuori added that his team will push to the very limit to try and come away with a victory.
“We will do our job and play to our physical limit,” he said. “Most important is that we play good football. And at the end of the match, I hope we can qualify for the next round. But whatever happens I am proud of my players.”
Bahrain coach Gabriel Calderon said: “We must then wait for the result of the Oman team, so we are entering our game with Qatar looking to claim a victory. We have no choice but to win.
“I have all the confidence in my players that they will perform well on match day.
“I’m doing the same as I do in every game,” the Argentinean said. “We always work hard to get the players ready every time, and they are prepared to fight for the home fans and for the win.”
