MUSCAT — Can today’s opening third round qualifier between Oman and Bahrain in their quest for a berth in the 2010 South Africa World Cup be billed as a grudge match?

Maybe it is true with Bahrain, who would like to gain sweet revenge over their Gulf rivals after the shocking defeat in the last Gulf Cup in Abu Dhabi. Another factor that justifies the fact is the presence of Oman’s former coach Milan Macala, who is at the helm of Bahrain currently.

It may be recalled, the official adieu to Milan Macala, after he had guided Oman to a runner-spot in the last two editions of the Gulf Cup, was not received well in certain circles and maybe the shrewd Czech would want to show how worthy is his presence with any outfit in the Gulf?

Macala had proved it at many places while coaching the Gulf teams and his intentions might be to prove that he is still the best coach in the Gulf region?

On the contrary, Oman are fielding a team which Macala knows inside out. Knowing the danger, the OFA chairman Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi, who has recruited a new coaching staff from Uruguay is working day and night with the team, to ensure that the Sultanate starts with a win.

The OFA chief also has a thing to prove as the recruitment of Julio Cesar Ribas just days before this crucial encounter was not received well in many circles. However, he believes that Ribas can prove his critics wrong with a good start today.

In his comments to the media yesterday, Ribas exuded confidence and said the team is well prepared, but his counterpart Macala was conspicuous by his absence.

Macala sighted a bout of flu for his absence, but maybe the tactic was to confront the Oman media after the match. However, he was substituted by his assistant Khalid Attaz, who said with confidence that Bahrain were here to win and they don’t have fears of playing against a hostile crowd.

Bahrain have also been boosted by their win against Denmark recently, a European team ignored by Oman after Ribas took over.

Bahrain, who narrowly missed out on a place in the 2006 World Cup finals after a play-off defeat to Trinidad and Tobago, had edged the 1992 European champions 1-0 thanks to an 84th minute winner from substitute Abdulla Al Dakeel, a win which should really act as a morale booster.

Bahrain are also to have their ace striker Ala Hubail back in the fray and could be tactically used by Macala against Oman.

“Both Oman and Bahrain know each other’s game very well and there is nothing to hide, but we will go all out for a win,” said Bahrain’s assistant coach Khalid Attaz. “You can also expect a few surprises,” warned Macala’s deputy.

Ribas countered Attaz’s comments saying, “it will be a close match and we are determined to make a winning start.”

However, he covered up the loss of experienced Ahmed Hadid, who will be out of action for three weeks due to an injury, stating: “We have good players to take care of Hadid’s absence and there is no sense of worry.”

When queried, how prepared he was for the first major test since taking over the reigns of Oman, Ribas countered, “I was waiting for this day to offer the loveable fans of Oman a grand gift and also change Oman’s fortunes for the best.”

He also said that the whole team is focussed on the match and they are not going to get distracted by other factors like referees etc… “We will play our best and go all out for a win,” said Ribas with confidence.

When asked whether his team will be under pressure playing at home, Ribas shot back saying: “The pressure is bound to be there in every match whether it is played at home or away. The only change is the situation and I am preparing my players for all occasions.”

Ribas also called for forgetting the past, whether it was bad or good, and just consider the future. “Let’s focus now on Bahrain and then go forward,” said Ribas.

Meanwhile, Attaz shrugged off the challenge of playing in front of a packed stadium rooting for Oman. “This is not new for us. We have played many top level games, and we are just not going to bother. Our aim is to play and make a winning start,” said Bahrain’s assistant coach.

Ribas’s tactics were kept under the wraps, while the absence of Macala yesterday did not reveal much of Bahrain too. However, the stage appears to be set for a humdinger. The gates for the match, which kicks off at 6.30pm, will be open from 4pm and the tickets are prized at RO1 and RO3. However, registered fans will be allotted free specially assigned seats.