Our History vs Bahrain

The Subway Socceroos take on Bahrain in an international friendly as part of its final preparations ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Sunday, 1:00am AEDT.

Consequently, revisit our previous five encounters against the Pearl Divers, who are currently coached by former Valencia CF, Saudi Arabia and Chile boss Juan Antonio Pizzi.

Ranked 86th in the world, Bahrain also feature in this month's tournament and are situated in Group E, while Australia lie in Group B alongside India, Syria and Uzbekistan.

The warm up match will be live and free on Australia's home of football, Network 10 as well as 10 Play and Paramount+.

Head-to-head

Played: 5
Wins: 5
Draws: 0
Losses: 0

2006 | 3-1 win | AFC Asian Cup Qualifier 

Australia's start to its opening AFC Asian Cup 2007™ qualifying match did not go to plan after trailing 1-0 at half-time at the Bahrain National Stadium. However, a second-half fightback turned the tide with Archie Thompson, Josip Skoko and an Ahmad Elrich penalty helping seal a 3-1 triumph away from home. 

2006 | 2-0 win | AFC Asian Cup Qualifier

Two goals in six minutes was enough to beat Bahrain and finish top of Group D in the reverse fixture. John Aloisi's close-range finish put the hosts ahead from Mark Bresciano's assist on 17 minutes at the Sydney Football Stadium and after turning provider, the creative midfielder had a goal of his own courtesy of a spectacular acrobatic volley six minutes later to double the advantage.

2008 | 1-0 win | FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Australia's second AFC Fourth Round Group A FIFA World Cup 2010™ qualifying game saw the Green and Gold snatch all three points with the last kick of the game. Mark Schwarzer sent a long ball forward and the Bahranian defence was unable to clear their lines allowing Mark Bresciano to capitalise dribbling forward and dispatching an emphatic finish beyond the goalkeeper.

2009 | 2-0 win | FIFA World Cup Qualifier

The Aussies' stellar qualifying campaign on their journey to South Africa 2010 continued in the corresponding fixture in June 2009. In its penultimate qualifying clash, Australia recorded a solid 2-0 victory at Stadium Australia, thanks to second-half goals from Mile Sterjovski and David Carney. After defeating Japan a week later, the Subway Socceroos ultimately clinched first place ahead of the Samurai Blue.

2011 | 1-0 win | AFC Asian Cup

Australia's final group match of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™ saw them needing to win in order to have a chance of topping its group ahead of Korea Republic. After scoring the equaliser against the Korea Republic in a 1-1 stalemate, it was Mile Jedinak who stepped up. The midfielder pounced on the lose ball from midfield and expertly arrowed a low drive which bounced into the bottom far corner as the Aussies prevailed 1-0 to claim top spot on goal difference.