The odds will be stacked heavily against the Bengal Tigers when they face Australia, the Asian champions with four Fifa World Cup appearances to their credit, for the first time ever, in the joint 2018 Russia World Cup second round qualifier at NIB Stadium in Perth today at 5pm (Bangladesh standard time).
As far as the Socceroos are concerned, it is only a matter of time before they qualify for the upcoming edition of the World Cup, which will be their fourth consecutive appearance in the global showpiece event. The men in red and green, in contrast, will be vying for a berth in the 2019 Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates as opposed to the World Cup.
The teams might be at the opposite poles of the official world rankings with the Aussies ranked 61st, 109 places above Bangladesh, but interest among the Socceroos fans as well as the Bangladeshis living down under is huge as 95 percent of the tickets have already been sold out.
Although Bangladesh head coach Lodewijk de Kruif will not be in the dugout due to suspension, the Dutchman has been preparing his side for the clash with a defensive strategy, coupled with a counter-attacking approach, in mind. If the recent Fifa international friendly against Malaysia was anything to go by then the Bengal Tigers, in all likelihood, will adopt a defensive organisation against the Socceroos. Bangladesh goalkeeper Shahidul Alam Sohel, who was impressive during the goalless draw against the Malaysians, is bracing himself for a more hectic day between the posts today.
The only injury casualty is young midfielder Hemanta Vincent Biswas, who has a minor hamstring problem. Hemanta will be assessed today morning. Emon Babu or Monayem Khan Raju will come in as a replacement if Hemanta is unable to make it. Veteran forward Enamul Haque is also likely to get the nod in the playing XI in place of winger Sohel Rana.
The hosts, on the other hand, have their own problems to deal with. Apart from the recent pay dispute between the Football Federation of Australia and the players’ union, injury has also reared its ugly head with Valencia goalkeeper Mat Ryan, defender Ivan Franjic, captain and Crystal Palace midfielder Mile Jedinak, forward Tomi Juric and VfB Stuttgart striker Robbie Kruse all ruled out of the Bangladesh tie.
