Bangladesh face Hong Kong today in a do-or-die match of Group B in the 17th Asian Games football competition in Incheon, South Korea. The crucial encounter for both sides will kick off at 11am.
The Red and Green outfit posted a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Afghanistan in their opening game before falling to a 3-0 defeat against top-seed Uzbekistan in the second game. Bangladesh must win their final group game against Hong Kong to seal a place in the second round, something they have never managed in the history of the Asiad.
Till date Bangladesh have beaten Hong Kong only once in the Under-23 level with the win coming in 2007. A solitary strike by forward Zahid Hasan Emily was enough to dispatch Hong Kong in an away game in the Olympics pre-qualifier. However, it was Hong Kong who progressed to the next phase courtesy an aggregate victory margin of 3-1. At the national level, Bangladesh managed just one draw in four meetings against Hong Kong with the latter winning three times.
Despite the tall order, Bangladesh’s Dutch head coach Lodewijk de Kruif urged his players to create history. “I have said to them that you will create history for yourselves and the country. You play for the country and put your best,” said De Kruif, who conducted a one-and-a-half hour practice session yesterday.
“The approach will be cautious for the first 15 minutes. I have said the players to play a holding game. Do not take any risk. Adapt with the conditions. I have asked the players to grab the opportunity as it comes on very few occasions,” concluded De Kruif.
Hong Kong drew 1-1 with Uzbekistan and defeated Afghanistan 2-1 in their two group matches and a draw will see them go through to the second round. Bangladesh have three points while Uzbekistan have four, like Hong Kong. The Uzbeks will face no-hopers Afghanistan in the last group match which will take place after the Bangladesh game.