MANAMA - Bahrain have received a heroes' welcome back home after their exploits at the Asian Cup 2004, where they reached the semi-finals in only their second appearance in the competition.

 
The team arrived back in Manama on Monday and were met at the airport by a large contingent of delighted supporters that included Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the president of the country's Supreme Council for Youth and Sports.
 

Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa met the team on Tuesday, praising their performance in China, where they overcame huge odds to reach the last four only going out to defending champs Japan after a dramatic extra-time contest.
 

The Bahrain team, coached by Croatian Srecko Juricic, were also feted by their monarch, King Hamad, who received the team on Tuesday and praised their achievements in China which have helped to put the tiny Gulf nation on the international football map.

 
The team will enjoy a two-week break in Bahrain before beginning preparations on August 21 for their next World Cup 2006 qualifier against Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek on September 8. Bahrain lead Group 6 with seven points, three points ahead of closest rivals Syria and Tajikistan.
 

Bahrain are likely to play friendlies against Gulf rivals Kuwait on August 26 and Qatar on September 1 to warm up for the World Cup qualifier. They are also slated to participate in a quadrangular international tournament in Libya from September 26 to 28 that also features the national teams of Nigeria and Colombia.