Rashed thanks Bahraini fans

sharjah — Jamal Rashed, whose 91st minute penalty against India earned Bahrain a ticket to the Round of 16, thanked the Bahraini supporters for never losing faith in the team.

“I would like to thank the Bahraini fans present at the stadium, and I’m thankful that we got a result, so they did not leave the stadium disappointed,” Rashed told reporters after the match.

Facing a must-win situation in their final Group A game, Bahrain were frustrated by the defensive strategy of India which only needed a draw to qualify.

“The match was made very difficult because their goalkeeper played really well,” Rashed said.

“We were on the attack since the first minute, but we were unlucky in front of goal.

“We were already expecting this to be a difficult group and we did well to successfully navigate it. Our objective was to qualify to the Round of 16 which we have now achieved,” said Rashed whose team will now play the winners of either Group B or Group C.

Meanwhile, Bahrain coach Miroslav Soukup said his team never gave up hope despite having to deal with India’s crowded backline. “I am very proud because we know their (India) style of play from previous matches. They are very strong in counter attacks and my players were ready for that,” he said.

“My players really had the belief that they were stronger than the opponents and we played well. They believed they would score even until the final minute.”

I would like to thank the Bahraini fans present at the stadium, and I’m thankful that we got a result, so they did not leave the stadium disappointed

Jamal Rashed