Qatar – Bahrain Prediction & Preview and Betting Tips (29.12.2017)

Match of the last day of the group stage of the Persian Gulf Cup that is disputed in Kuwait and that will face the selections of Bahrain and Qatar.

High risk match between two teams belonging to the small monarchies of the Gulf (small in size, not in “quarters”), historical rivals with different geopolitical and diplomatic problems between the two countries.

Both teams are in contention with everything in dispute. The group is: Iraq 4, Bahrain 4, Qatar 3, Yemen 0. With the presumed Iraqi victory against Yemen, the worst selection of the tournament, everything is in the hands of these teams to take second place.

A priori, the Qatari squad is much more equipment, that has been presented with its luxury selection, loaded of young players who must lay the bases of the ascent of this country facing the 2022 World Cup. It took a real blow on the table in the first day, making a 4-0 to the selection of Yemen and then fell to Iraq, a defeat that comes from the foreseeable calculations, in a game matched.

For its part, Bahrain comes with many more options than a priori would have. However, their results, despite being better, have not been as bright as those in Iraq. In the first day they started a point to Iraq based on the lock and surprising the Iraqis in a perfect counter; While Yemen were only able to beat it through a penalty (remember that Qatar passed over the Yemeni).

Qatar is one step above Bahrain in everything: training of young players, tactical sense … and above all: competitive level. While Qatar was able to reach the final qualifying stage for the World Cup with the best selections on the continent, Bahrain fell into a group with selections such as Yemen, the Philippines, etc. This shows the level jump between them. In addition, recent grotesque results such as the defeat in Taiwan show that Bahrain still has much to progress to reach its neighbors and rivals: Qatar needs the victory to pass and I trust that it will be so since it is clearly superior to its rivals.