Bahrain coach says 10-0 game was legitimate

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The coach of Bahrain’s national soccer team insisted his team “did nothing wrong” in its 10-0 win over Indonesia in a World Cup qualifier that has sparked a FIFA probe.

Peter Taylor, who managed England as caretaker in 2000, on Monday blamed the lopsided result in February on Indonesia playing an inexperienced side. He said there was no point in discussing the match with FIFA.

FIFA said it plans to interview match referees, coaching staff and players during a probe of what it called an “unusual” match.

In the match, Lebanese referee Andre El Haddad sent off Indonesia’s goalkeeper in the second minute and awarded Bahrain four penalties.

Bahrain’s win raised suspicion because it went into the game trailing Qatar by three points and nine goals in group standings.

However, Qatar drew 2-2 with Iran to advance.