Beenhakker, Yorke remain optimistic

The teams will meet in the return leg in Manana, Bahrain, on Wednesday, with the aggregate winner advancing to Germany.

Speaking at the post-match conference on Saturday night, Beenhakker conceded: "one side of me says it’s a little bit disappointing, and on the other hand, I can live with the draw simply because I know we didn’t play very well.

"We knew from the beginning that Bahrain was a tough opponent, and from the moment we knew we had to play these games, we talked about it and I said to my players that at least you have to play on the level that you did in the last match against Mexico," he added

The Dutch-born coach also admitted that the team’s performance was below their usual standard.

"We have to accept it," he said. "Sometimes it happens in football. Not every day is the same day.

"We now have to prepare ourselves for the second match, and in that way it’s still what I said before this game, which is that both teams have a 50-50 chance. I know that this team can play much better and for whatever reason you don’t play the way you can play, then you are always disappointed. We have to look for a solution within three or four days." About his tactical decision to use captain Dwight Yorke in attack with Stern John, Beenhakker said, "there was a lot of pressure, and some of these players made many technical mistakes which is not normal for them." Analysing his opponents, the 63-year-old noted, "Bahrain played the way I see they normally play.

"They weren’t above their usual level. Now, we must be prepared to go there, and get that result and give that performance to bring it home," he added. Also addressing the media was Yorke, who emphatically stated, "this tie is far from over.

"There’s still the next game to play. We know that the fans and, indeed, the whole nation will be disappointed with the result, and maybe the performance. But we know what needs to be done now, and that is going to Bahrain and winning and putting the tie away."

He commended the team for responding after going a goal down courtesy Salman Isa in the 73rd, with Chris Birchall equalising four minutes later.

"I am very happy about the character my team showed after we went behind because, before I think there were times when we would just fold up," Yorke noted. "But we responded well, and while I have been fortunate to see a lot of really good goals in my career, Birchall’s strike was a very good one, and he deserves full credit for it."

Concerning Wednesday’s match, Yorke pointed out, "we must go there and put our heads together again and do what is necessary to realise this dream of ours.

"We have to still fancy our chances, and there’s no reason to think that we are not capable of still doing it," he ended.