Team upbeat ahead of Iran friendly

GulfDailyNews - BAHRAIN will take on Asian giants Iran tonight in a friendly soccer match which kicks off at 6.30pm at the National Stadium in Riffa.

The match will be a useful experience for both sides who are preparing for their next 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Bahrain, coached by Milan Macala of Czech Republic, will play Japan in a crucial Group 'B' match scheduled for Wednesday at the National Stadium.

After their impressive 1-0 away win over Oman last month in their opener, the Bahrainis are sharing the lead with Japan who came from a goal behind to outplay Thailand in Saitama.

The visitors, on the other hand, will travel to the Kuwaiti capital to meet Kuwait in Group 'E' match to be held on the same day.

Iran disappointed its fans with a goalless draw with Syria in their first qualifiers held in Tehran.

The Iranians, who arrived in Bahrain yesterday, had a training session at the National Stadium under their coach and former captain Ali Daie.

Iran Football Association general secretary Mohammad Nabi said the team will fly to Kuwait right after Bahrain's friendly.

He said Bahrain's warm-up is one of five friendlies against Hansa Rostock, Qatar, Mali and Costa Rica.