Three points from a win is the war cry of Bangladesh ahead of their crucial Group A encounter against Sri Lanka as the hosts will be taking the field to extend their stay in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup.
Having lost the opening clash against Malaysia U-23, Bangladesh head coach Lodewijk de Kruif and skipper Mamunul Islam vowed to put more than hundred percent for a win at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today and seal a last four spot.
The advantage for the Red and Green’s is that a draw will also be enough to push them through to the semifinals as Sri Lanka conceded two goals against the home side’s one in the tournament. However, a win for the island nation on the other hand will spill water on all equations and spoil the home party big time.
De Kruif wouldn’t mind a draw as well, but his planning is only for a win. The coach was spot on in saying, “Taking the field with an approach of earning a draw is difficult and dangerous. We will take the field to play good football and win the match. This is very important not only for us, but for the nation too, it is a prestigious tournament and we will try to move as far as we can. For the moment we want to be in the semifinals.”
The coach put the defeat against Malaysia behind as he again pointed the “nervous” first 20 minutes of that game was crucial. He also said, “Our result was criticised, but everyone will admit after Saturday’s match that Malaysia is a good team, young lads, well organised. I believe my boys will give more than 100 per cent against Sri Lanka.”
The Dutch has been around the Bangladesh players for a long time now and he is aware of all the situations that exist. He and the players know it very well that their survival is being pushed and Kruif left no homework undone. Discusion, analysis of their opponent, strategy, moves all are done as the coach expressed full confidence on his charges and believes they will make it to the second round.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Serbian coach Nikola Kavazovic surprised everyone by not giving a damn to the outcome of their do-or-die match as he said, “At the moment we dont have much interest about the tournament.”
“We are not interested to take any revenge, we are focused to build a serious team and we have a one year plan, our main focus is to play good in the World Cup per-qualifiers, we have prepared for 20 days ahead of the this meet and the players are tired after playing the domestic league,” he added.
And he puzzled all by saying, “However, I would like to mention that there are no lack of motivation of beating the hosts and Sri Lanka is a fighting team, they never surrender. Bangladesh will have a hard time on the field, I am proud of my players who are working hard both physically and mentally.”