F.A. - MANAMA, Iran coach Branko Ivankovic has downplayed the significance of recent matches with Bahrain ahead of the 2006 World Cup qualifier against the Arabs on Wednesday.
“I’m not thinking about the 4-2 victory for Iran at the Asian Cup. This game is a new game and a different one as well.”
That China 2004 third place play-off match was the first time the two sides had met since Bahrain’s 3-1 win in the Final Round of qualifiers for the 2002 World Cup, which sent Saudi Arabia through to finals and consigned the Iranians to the play-offs.
Ivankovic, who reported that there are no injury worries in his squad continued: “I am confident that we can win although it will be a tough and hard game for both sides.”
Bahrain coach Srecko Juricic agreed that it would be a tough game but added that while Iran may still have a few scores to settle after the last World Cup qualifier in Manama, home field advantage should give them the edge.
“Iran and Bahrain have been rivals from a long time ago but we have an advantage that we will play the game on our home soil.
“The match is important match for both sides and both teams have the quality to qualify to the World Cup.”
The game takes place at the National Stadium in Manama and kicks off at 1835hrs local time.
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