Both Asia's fifth finisher Bahrain and Caribbean islanders Trinidad and Tobago – who beat Mexico on the final day of qualifying to finish fourth in CONCACAF – will be desperate to come out on top in their November play-off and reach a debut FIFA World Cup™ finals.
T&T – oft-times overly reliant on joyful footwork and the carefree rhythms of football in the Caribbean – have found a smart balance of native technique and much-needed organisation under the tutelage of well-travelled Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker. At the helm since April 2005, the 63-year-old former Real Madrid and Netherlands coach has preached a doctrine of discipline and combined it well with the creativity alive on the sun-soaked streets of football-mad Trinidad.
Attack is key for T&T
Defence is still something of a touchy subject for the Soca Warriors. But with former European Cup winner Dwight Yorke and Stern John – who scored both goals against Mexico – roving effectively up front, the islanders are posing a significant threat in attack. The return of 37-year-old Scotland-based midfield wizard Russell Latapy from semi-retirement, at the behest of Beenhakker, has also added a bit of spice going forward. Directly involved in both goals against Mexico, the Falkirk-based creator looks like the missing piece of the puzzle for Beenhakker's boys.
With pressure heavy on their shoulders, the fragile T&T of the past might well have crumbled needing a win at home on the final day of group qualifying. But with the steady hand of their new boss and a new sense of self-belief, they managed to recover from falling a goal behind and missing a penalty through Stern John.
"The manner in which we fought during the whole game to turn around the result was amazing," Beenhakker told reporters after the match against Mexico. "It was an historic win which has left the doors open for this country to go to the World Cup."
On the other side of the globe, Bahrain also had to battle and scrap to earn their ticket to the play-off. With a defensive assurance bound to test the best efforts of the Caribbean islanders, the Asian upstarts may well be fancying their chances in the upcoming pair of crucial matches. The first leg will take place in Port of Spain on 12 October and the second back in Bahrain just four days later.
Bahrain ready, steady at the back
Some would say that playing at home in the second leg is a slight psychological advantage, but Bahrain have been on a steadily upward trajectory in recent years and will be keen to give a good account of themselves on the road in the first leg as well. Certainly their defence looked well-drilled in the play-off with usually potent Uzbekistan, leaking just the single goal.
Building on the progress initiated back in 2002 by the appointment of German boss Wolfgang Sidka, current coach Luka Peruzovic has his side fit, brimming with confidence and keen for a spot in the finals. Never having played T&T before, Bahrain can expect a different sort of test as they look to add their name to the list of finalists in Germany.
After the second leg against Uzbekistan, coach Peruzovic broke down in tears. "I can't believe it," he sobbed. "I feared we might throw it away in the second half, but the team defended so bravely. I am so proud."
It is not just about defensive steadiness, however. Bahrain have in their team a noted goalscorer in the form of Alaa Hubail. The older brother of midfielder Mohamed Hubail, he was the top scorer at the last instalment of the AFC Asian Cup and has an impressive nose for goal. Only just back from an eight-month injury lay-off, he came on late in both legs against Uzbekistan and caused more than a few headaches despite not being able to find the goal. With some more time to rest, the diminutive striker could well spell trouble for T&T's much-scrutinised backline.
One thing is certain: both T&T and Bahrain's desperation to reach a first-ever FIFA World Cup finals should make for a lively spectacle, fuelled by the fantasy of squaring off against the world's best on the biggest stage come next summer in Germany.