Bahrain went to Jakarta in the first match of Group E today to face Indonesia. Bahrain had earned a creditable draw at home to Qatar in spite of various suspensions of Shia Muslim players in the national side. Indonesia, the fourth most populous country in the world, packed 85,000 into its national stadium. However, Indonesia still have much to learn against their much less populous but highly-skilled Asian foes. Bahrain took a 1-0 lead in first half stoppage time with a strike from teenage midfielder Sayed Dhiya Saeed.In the second half, Bahrain were able to extend the lead to 2-0 with twenty minutes remaining. Fireworks were set off in the stands by the unhappy spectators, causing a delay of a quarter hour, but the match eventually restarted. Bahrain held on for a 2-0 win to regain footing in the group table. Indonesia are considering using an under-23 side for the rest of FIFA World Cup qualifying. Here's to hoping that this does not occur but such a move would deny many players who earned the right to wear their national team colors a chance to prove that they do belong among the Asian power.
Qatar hosted Iran in the marquee matchup of the day in Group E. The match was a slow-starter, but the fans in Doha had plenty of tantalizing free kicks to witness in the first half, none of which led to any goals. Iran's captain Javad Nekounam had to be substituted due to an injury, but Iran did not seem any worse off without his presence. Iran took control of the match from then on, but they would have to wait until after the half to gain an advantage on the scoreboard.
One minute after returning, Iran blasted home the opener. Qatar, to their credit, pressed for the equalizer, which they found ten minutes after the opener. Iran continued to look the better side, however, but were unable to capitalize on two very good chances, and Qatar escaped their own building with a 1-1 draw to remain close to the top of a very tight group.
Iran 4 pts +3
Bahrain 4 pts +2
Qatar 2 pts 0
Indonesia 0 pts -5
Goals:
Bahrain
Sayed Dhiya Saeed 45+1
Ismaeel Abdullatif 71
Iran
Hadi Aghili 46
Qatar
Mohamed El Sayed 55
Match Reports:
Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ruFZswmRM0 (Bahrain v. Indonesia)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84IQ_szlhHs (Qatar v. Iran)
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