Opportunity still left for Bangladesh to move into the semifinal in the ongoing Bangabandhu SAFF Championship despite conceding defeat in their first match against Lebanon.
Bidding to obtain at least a point from first match, Bangladesh began their campaign in the tournament against the hot favourites Lebanon with a huge blow with going down by 2-0 on Thursday.
After the setback in their opening game against Lebanon, chance still remained for Bangladesh to go forward but they desperately need at least four points from their next two encounters to seal the semi-final berth.
Bangladesh left two matches to play against Maldives and Bhutan to take place tomorrow (June 25) and June 28 respectively. Though, mathematically, Bangladesh still have a chance with one win and one draw, but in reality they are in must win situation in both the matches to confirm the place in the last fours.
As, from one win and one draw they could accumulate four points, but if Maldives would draw in any off their two matches – against Bangladesh and Lebanon, their collection will be also four points. At that situation, goal difference will be a factor, when Maldives will be in better position.
Bangladesh coach Javier Cabrera, despite conceding defeat in the first match believes that chance still left for his team to make room in the semifinal but he realizes that to make it success they will have to play better game in both of the match.
To earn four points from next matches means, Bangladesh team have no way to lose any off two matches, a win and a draw is essential to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout phase alive as they suffer defeat in the opening match.
Cabrera, while pleased with the performances of his men against stronger side, Lebanon, expecting to qualify in the semifinal.
But the Spanish coach was a bit disappointed with the missing trial of his boys, despite creating open chances. As in his post-match reaction said, “The way we conceded goals were disappointing. I know we will have tough time at the initial hour of the match and that was happened but boys dealt with successfully. Afterwards we bounced back strongly and opened scoring opportunities but could not utilize the chances. This is part of game. I am happy with their performances”
“We have still chance to move into the semifinal after playing next two matches and we are also looking forward.”
About Maldives, coach said, “We have seen the Maldives team play against Bhutan and they were impressive in their team works.”
While the task of having to beat the two times successful to win trophy in the competition’s history Maldives is a tough one, but Bangladesh are keen to focus on the match winning.
In the last game against tough opponents Bangladesh have shown that there were lot of rooms for improvement and to play against Maldives side they will have to be more passionate.
