Bahrain to use Sydney as preparation for New Zealand

The Bahrain national team will prepare for their final World Cup qualifier against New Zealand in Sydney.

Following the goalless draw against the All Whites in Manama two weeks ago, Bahrain have to come down under for the do-or-die return leg which could see them qualifying for the World Cup for the first time ever.

The decider takes place in Wellington on November 14 but rather than try to focus in New Zealand’s capital, Bahrain will spend five days in Sydney to escape the hype and warm-up on their own accord.

Reports in New Zealand suggest that the team will head down under by private jet in an attempt to nullify the effects of the lengthy trip as much as possible.

The president of Bahrain’s General Organisation for Youth and Sports Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said he expected the national team to get the result that will see them qualify for South Africa 2010.

"We've learned a lot from the last game," Shaikh Fawaz told the Gulf Daily News.

"This time, we certainly have more experience. We've got the will and fighting spirit to make it.

"Whoever watched the game in Manama saw that we dominated; we were clearly the better side. We created a lot of chances but missed. Hopefully these chances will not go to waste in New Zealand."