Bahrain squad bow to Norway

Gulf-Daily-News - BAHRAIN went down 0-1 to Norway in a friendly soccer match last night at the National Stadium. The game was part of Bahrain's preparations for their opening Group 'B' match against Iran in the 2006 World Cup qualifying second round scheduled on February 9 at the same venue.

The hosts controlled much of the match but were unable to make a successful end to their many efforts that was created especially in the second-half after they went down to a 48th-minute goal by Raymond Kivisvik.

The Norwegian midfielder curled a free-kick on the right flank which deceived the Bahraini defence and veteran goalkeeper Ali Hassan.

"I was satisfied with the overall team performance although most of the players who play in Qatar seemed tired as they arrived here only 48 hours ago," said Bahrain coach Srecko Juricic.

"The match was a good chance for us to find out drawbacks in the defence which will be solved before our World Cup qualifying matches," added the 50-year-old Croatian.

Juricic further explained: "We have one more friendly match scheduled against Lebanon next week in Doha and more players from the bench will be tested before taking on Iran."

Juricic tried four of his six players who were added to the squad last week. The players were Rashid Jamal (Al Najma), Hussain Salman (Al Arabi, UAE), Ahmed Hassa'an (Riffa) and Ali Norooz (Manama).

But still with new players in the team, the home side failed to break through a well organised Norway team who missed their professionals and consisted of reserve players.

Playing with five players in midfield and one striker, the Scandinavians kept Bahrain at bay and created most of their moves from midfielders Aradian Gashi, Petter Rudi, Ovvind Storflor and goal-scorer Kivisvik.

The visitors could have doubled their lead just three minutes after they broke the deadlock when Kivisvik flicked the ball on to substitute striker Ole Martin Arst whose header from close range beat goalkeeper Hassan but not the post.

Juricic made a more offensive approach after half-time by playing with three strikers and relying on fast counter-attacks from left winger Salman Isa who was well marked by the Norwegian defence, led by captain Christer Basma, Trond Andersen and Erlend Hanstveit.