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They gathered some valuable experience and confidence through tours in Japan twice, China, South Korea and Singapore - all within a year. “The girls have worked hard in the last one year. They played a lot of practice matches in China, South Korea and Japan which took our playing standard to the international level and provided confidence to fight in the international level. Finally, the moment has arrived. Feels like we are playing in the World Cup. All the players are excited to get out on the field,” said head coach Golam Rabbani Choton on Sunday. Choton, who has been with the girls for more than three years now, added, “It is a very exciting moment for all of us. Watching their practice session after arriving here, I am convinced they are mentally prepared to face the world champion.” Reminding the reality regarding the strength of the opponent, Choton wants his girls to keep the concentration and put up a competitive display. “The best thing about North Korea is that they are physically very strong and play football from a very early age. They are far ahead technically and tactically. We also worked hard in the last year, the team combination is ok and after playing against big teams in Asia abroad, the confidence of the girls is very high,” he said.
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North Korea coach Song Sung Gwon said, “We know nothing about Bangladesh. However, they are definitely an excellent team as they have reached the final round. We must be cautious about them.” Meanwhile, Bangladesh girls qualified for the tournament for the first time in history after exhibiting brilliant display in the qualifiers last September in Dhaka where they stunned some of the big teams in Asia, winning all their five matches. They are also the only team from south Asia to play in the event where Asia’s top eight teams will compete to earn qualification in the World Cup. Bangladesh will play their second match against three-time champion Japan and Australia at IPE Stadium on Thursday and Sunday respectively.