© Reuters 2002

RIYADH, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Defending champions Kuwait were held to a surprise 0-0 draw by 10-man Bahrain in the Gulf Cup on Tuesday.

Kuwait, winners of the title a record nine times, again struggled to get their act together after already losing 3-1 to Oman and drawing the opening game against hosts Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain were reduced to 10 men in the 18th minute when Mohammed Hussain was shown a red card by referee Pederson Rune of Norway after a dangerous tackle on a Kuwait defender.

But Kuwait's forward line failed to exploit the one-man advantage and lacked ideas about how to translate their superiority into goals.

The result added to the turmoil surrounding German coach Berti Vogts who is tipped to take over as coach of Scotland.

According to reports in the Saudi press, Vogts is about to be replaced by Yugoslav Radi Drachko, the coach of the Kuwaiti youth team.

Kuwait, in fifth position, have two points from three matches. Bahrain are bottom of the six-team standings with one point.