We must fight like lions against India, says Bahrain manager

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We must fight like lions against India, says Bahrain manager
Miroslav Soukup will be aiming to win the final group game.

Sharjah - Anything less than three points will end Bahrain's hopes

By Rituraj Borkakoty

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Published: Sun 13 Jan 2019, 9:43 PM

Last updated: Sun 13 Jan 2019, 11:49 PM

With his team facing a must-win battle against India in their final Group A game to qualify for the next round in the AFC Asian Cup, Bahrain coach Miroslav Soukup uttered a rallying cry at the Sharjah Stadium on Sunday.
Anything less than three points against India in Monday's crunch encounter will end Bahrain's hopes of entering the knockout rounds.
With just one point in their kitty from their first two games, the Czech coach knows his team, which dominated possession against Thailand in their second game only to lose by a solitary goal, must play positive football against the tournament's surprise package, India.
"When you enter the pitch, you can decide whether you are the lion or the chicken. We need to be the lion in the next game. If we will be the chicken and wait for the lion, we will lose the game," Soukup said when asked about the mood in the Bahraini camp ahead of the India game.
"There is only one way to qualify for the next round. Which is to win our final group game. Our team is ready to do the maximum to earn the three points tomorrow (Monday). Everybody knows in the team that they have to play better than they did against Thailand," said Soukup whose team drew 1-1 with hosts UAE before losing their second game to Thailand.
The Bahraini strikers, according to Soukup, must find their scoring boots if they hope to compete in the next round.
"My must trust our strikers. They can score the goals, no doubt about that. We have to play better in the final third and our finishing needs to be better," he said.
Soukup then praised Stephen Constantine's fast-improving Blue Tigers. "We know how they play. They also played very well against the UAE. They created many scoring chances. But the game is about result," he said
"I was also at the stadium in Abu Dhabi when India beat Thailand 4-1. They play with the same style. They play good long balls. I hope they can't repeat that against us tomorrow.
"Also, we know their coach's history. It's his second stint with the team. But, you know, the game is not decided on the whiteboard. It's decided on the pitch. I hope our players remember this when they enter the pitch tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Bahrain captain Jamal Rashed Abdulrahman Yusuf says his team is ready to deliver in the big game.
"We are ready. Tomorrow is our last chance. In every match, there is pressure on us to win. We are always under pressure to win. Hopefully, we will get the three points tomorrow," the 30-year-old winger said.
rituraj@khaleejtimes.com
 


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