GAME ON, REDS!

BATTLING Bahrain’s bruised, battered and beaten players have to put aside the misery of an opening defeat against tournament big guns Iran and go for glory tomorrow morning when they take on neighbours, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

It’s important that they pick themselves up and secure all three points in the Group C clash if they are to have any chance of making the knock-out stages of the Asian Cup Finals being hosted by Australia.

The Reds lost 2-0 to Iran on Sunday after starting brightly and having two of the best chances at goal. Iran, however, settled down, with playmaker Ashkan Dejagah proving a constant threat and long-serving captain Javad Nekounam bossing the Bahraini forwards.

Ehsan Hajsafi submitted his entry for goal of the tournament with a brilliant volley from outside the area in injury time of the first half before Masoud Shojaei sealed the win with a less elegant volley in the 71st minute.

Iran’s former Portugal and Real Madrid manager Carlos Queiroz criticised Australian referee Ben Williams, whining about some rough marking against his players at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

“I think the referee is not at the level of the game,” he claimed. “You cannot (let) a player jump with elbows. At least you should concentrate on those actions because those actions are very dangerous in the game.”

The UAE gladly made the most of a woeful performance from Qatari goalkeeper Qasem Burhan to rout the Gulf Cup winners 4-1 in their Asian Cup opener.

Bahrain’s last group match is against Qatar at noon on January 19. Defiant coach Marjan Eid said: “We have a chance in the second and third matches.”