The influence of English coach Peter Taylor is paying off for Bahrain, who have climbed six places to 95th on the latest global ladder largely thanks to their Arab Games conquest.
Men's Olympic Football Tournament
Crucial late goals were the order of the day in Asian qualifying for London 2012 with Korea Republic securing a draw but fellow frontrunners Japan were stunned by a last-gasp winner, while Uzbekistan are on the cusp of qualification.
Men's Olympic Football Tournament
Well-placed Japan and Korea Republic have London 2012 in their sights as Asian qualifying resumes for the year, while the remaining group is a four-way contest between Australia, Iraq, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.
Bahrain have been one step away from reaching the last two FIFA World Cups™ but while their coach Peter Taylor tells FIFA.com the chances of reaching Brazil 2014 are slim, the Englishman says the Gulf nation has a bright future.
There were differing fortunes for the frontrunners in Asia as Australia's Central Coast Mariners were held and Qatar's Lekhwiya suffered a fourth defeat, while Brisbane Roar and Al Ain of UAE both claimed wins.
Men's Olympic Football Tournament
The race for London 2012 has hit the halfway mark in Asia with Japan and Korea Republic currently in pole position, while the third qualification berth is wide open.
Men's Olympic Football Tournament
Men's Olympic Football Tournament
Men's Olympic Football Tournament
