Bahrain vs. New Zealand: The Players That Will Make a Difference

By (Contributor) on October 8, 2009

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10:  Mahmood Abdulrahman of Bahrain controls the ball during the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifying match between the Australian Socceroos and Bahrain at ANZ Stadium on June 10, 2009 in Sydney, Australia.  (Photo by Cameron Spen

The players that will be expected to make an impact sometime during the two-legged World Cup qualifier.

Its going to be a big game for both teams. For Bahrain, its been a long ride. They have been put in the same situation that they were four years ago when they lost the playoff 2-1 against Trinidad and Tobago. This time they have a chance to make it right. Let's hope they can do it.

For New Zealand, its a chance to prove that they are one of the best again. Having not qualified for the World Cup since 1982, this is their chance.

May The Best Team Win.

These are some players that could make a big difference this Saturday and during the second leg in New Zealand.

Chris Killen

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 26:  Chris Killen of Celtic runs with the ball during the Wembley Cup match between Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on July 26, 2009 in London, England.  (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Arguably the most dangerous striker on display. The Celtic forward has been in great form for both club and country. He will most certainly be a hand full for the Bahraini defense. Sayed Mohamed Adnan should be man marking him very closely.

Mahmood Abdulrahman "Ringo"

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10:  Mahmood Abdulrahman of Bahrain competes with David Carney of the Socceroos during the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifying match between the Australian Socceroos and Bahrain at ANZ Stadium on June 10, 2009 in Sydney, Australi

Bahrain's closest player to Cristiano Ronaldo. He is super fast, super strong, blessed with excellent technique, and his free kicks are superb.

He certainly displayed his ability to score free kicks as he scored the winning goal from the free kick spot both home and away against Uzbekistan to help Bahrain reach third place in their group. Ringo will be hoping to maybe repeat that against the Kiwis!

Ryan Nelsen

BLACKBURN, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 13: Ryan Nelson of Blackburn Rovers in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Blackburn Rovers and Arsenal at Ewood Park on September 13, 2008 in Blackburn, England.  (Photo by Gary M. Prior/Getty Ima

Captain Marvel Ryan Nelsen will be a rock in the Kiwis defense. His experience from playing in the Premiership with Blackburn Rovers will be invaluable.

Mohamed Salmeen

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10:  Mohamed Salmeen of Bahrain gestures during the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifying match between the Australian Socceroos and Bahrain at ANZ Stadium on June 10, 2009 in Sydney, Australia.  (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Experienced Midfeilder. Arguably Bahrain's best ever player for the past decade. Mohamed Salmeen will have to pull the strings in midfeild to help the Reds to a win over NZ.

Shane Smeltz

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 13:  Shane Smeltz of the Gold Coast looks for a pass during the round six A-League match between the Perth Glory and Gold Coast United at Members Equity Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Perth, Australia.  (Photo by Paul Kane/G

Another inform striker for New Zealand. Scored twice against Jordan. He will be dangerous!

Jaycee John

SAITAMA, JAPAN - MARCH 28:  Jaycee John of Bahrain in action during the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier match between Japan and Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on March 28, 2009 in Saitama, Japan.  (Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images)

A powerful forward playing in the Belgian league with RE Mouscourn. Scored first goal against Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. Should be in his best for if Bahrain are to overcome New Zealand.

Duncan Oughton

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 21:  Duncan Oughton of the All Whites in action during the Oceania Qualifying match between the New Zealand All Whites and Vanuatu held at Westpac Stadium November 21, 2007 in Wellington, New Zealand.  (Photo by Marty Me

32 year old experienced defender. Plays his football with Columbus Crew in the MLS.

Salman Isa

SAITAMA, JAPAN - MARCH 28:  Salman Isa of Bahrain lines up for national anthems during the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier match between Japan and Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on March 28, 2009 in Saitama, Japan.  (Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images)

Another very experienced player. Has been there and done it all for the Bahraini National team. Scored against T&T in the last playoff in 2006. Would be hoping to make amends for that loss. As this is his last realistic chance for World Cup glory!

Sayed Mohamed Adnan

SAITAMA, JAPAN - MARCH 28:  Sayed Mohamed Adnan of Bahrain lines up for national anthems during the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier match between Japan and Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on March 28, 2009 in Saitama, Japan.  (Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty I

The single most important part of the Bahraini defense. If he can keep tabs on New Zealand's attacking players, he would make things much easier for Bahrain. Hopefully he can do that, and send Bahrain to South Africa!

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