Manama, Bahrain  - Bahrain and New Zealand coaches weren't giving anything away as they prepared to face off on Saturday in the first of two games to determine which team secures a ticket to the South Africa 2010 World Cup.

Bahrain's 'Reds' Czech coach, Milan Macala, opted for a closed training session on Friday, while New Zealand's 'All Whites' coach, Ricki Herbert, would not confirm whether his team's influential captain, Ryan Nelsen would be part of the squad after being declared fit to play by the medical team.

"We have to wait til tomorrow to make a final decision on the team," Herbert told a press conference at Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa, south of the capital Manama before over seeing his team's final training session.

He had opted to train the team in Dubai for the past four days to familiarize them with the weather and the time difference, before they arrived in Manama on Friday.

Herbert dismissed claims that his team's lack of experience in facing-off against Asian teams was a source of concern sighting that both sides think they have a real chance of winning.

"Tomorrow night has a lot riding on it," he said adding that his players were focused on what needs to be done and determined to win.

Macala for his part also said that his team was also determined to win and qualify. "We are not under pressure, but we do feel the responsibility especially since there are big teams who seem to be unlikely to make it to the World Cup despite their long history," he said.

He did emphasize that no matter what the result was of Saturday's game, the final fate of both teams will be determined by the November 14 match in New Zealand.

A victory over New Zealand would secure the Persian Gulf team its first World Cup appearance. New Zealand is seeking a second qualification to the World Cup after first playing back in 1982. Bahrain lost a spot in the 2006 World Cup to Trinidad and Tobago. dpa