Bangladesh are just a day away from facing their biggest opponents – Asian champions Australia - in a very long time and goalkeeper Shahidul Alam Sohel believes all the players should try to perform to the best of their abilities to achieve something from their 2018 Fifa World Cup second round qualifier, slated for tomorrow at NIB Stadium in Perth.
The Sheikh Jamal DC custodian put up a brave display against Malaysia in the just-concluded Fifa international friendly in Kuala Lumpur, making a number of brilliant saves to hold the hosts to a goalless draw.
And ahead of the all-important Australia clash, Sohel admitted that the stalemate against the Malaysians will inspire them when they take the field tomorrow.
“We played well against Malaysia and I believe that it will give us more confidence ahead of the game against Australia. Everybody praised my performance and I want to continue my form in the next game as well,” said Sohel.
“Having said that, the Australia attacking line is stronger than the one we faced against Malaysia. So to overcome this challenge, the defenders and all the players should perform, not only the keeper,” he added.
Sohel thanked Bangladesh’s German goalkeeping coach Christian Schweichler for the improvement in his form. “I trained under his supervision ever since I recovered from injury. He taught me new things. I am now more confident than before. Whatever the result will be, I will try to give my very best.”
Ahead of tomorrow’s match, the Bengal Tigers enjoyed a two-hour training session at Dorrien Gardens, Lawley Street yesterday. It was learnt that the coaching staff are now mainly working on the players’ psychological aspects.