A goalless draw between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in Manama on Sunday morning has left their FIFA World Cup Asian playoff in the balance.
The two nations are battling for the right to meet Oceania champions New Zealand in a home and away playoff on October 10 and November 14 for a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Saudi Arabia may have a slight advantage needing a home win in Thursday morning’s second leg in Riyadh, but the Saudi’s failure to score away from home gives Bahrain the chance to progress on the away goals rule with a score-draw in the Saudi capital.
A second goalless draw will take the playoff to extra time.
Also on Thursday, the All Whites complete their playoff preparation with a friendly against Jordan in Amman. The match kicks off at 7.30am (NZT).
New Zealand v Jordan
International Friendly
King Abdullah Stadium, Amman
September 9, 2009 (7.30am Sept 10 NZT)