Phone call from King boosts Bahrain

Bahrain need to beat the best FIFA ranked side in the 16-team tournament if they are to reach the quarter-finals with Australia requiring only a point at the Al Sadd Stadium on Tuesday to make the last eight.

Bahrain, who have lost all four previous meetings against Australia, will be without goal-scoring midfielder Faouzi Aaish who is suspended after being sent off in their 5-2 win over India on Friday, but hopes are high they can reach the last eight for only the second time following the royal call.

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