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GULFWEEKLY'S barmy army of Bahrain football fans showed their support by waving copies of their favourite newspaper in the air as their heroes took on Saudi Arabia in the first leg of a thrilling World Cup play-off tie.
We urged supporters to rally to the call from coach Milan Macala who pleaded for a packed house at the national stadium on Saturday night to cheer the team on during the 'Glory of the Gulf' encounter.
Our centre-spread team photograph with a 'Come on you, boys!' message in English and Arabic proved popular as fans held copies high above their heads.
The players and management were not disappointed by the passionate singing, drumming and baton-blasting boom that serenaded the side from the moment the game kicked off until the final whistle was blown.
GulfWeekly editor Stan Szecowka joined in the fun in the stands by orchestrating their cries of 'Yalla Ya Shabab!'
Coach Macala described the fans as 'marvellous' and said he hopes the side will repay their support with a win tonight in Saudi Arabia which will book them a clash against Oceania Group winners New Zealand for a last-gasp spot in next year's World Cup Finals in South Africa.
Although the weekend's fixture against Saudi Arabia ended in a goalless draw the support for Bahrain was superb throughout the game and one expat told GulfWeekly: "The atmosphere was electric and the fans should be congratulated for their passion and good humour."
