It was not the first time Bangladesh were hosting a World Cup qualifying match. They had entertained Jordan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the last six months but none of those World Cup qualifiers witnessed fully-packed galleries.
Yesterday however, the Bangabandhu National stadium was packed to the rafters and the difference was no doubt created by the presence of mighty Asian champions Australia who have never played in Bangladesh before.
In a country where the people suffer from football fever during the World Cup, Australia are a familiar name among the football fans. Among those who follow the English Premier League like a religion, former Everton striker Tim Cahill is a popular name along with Crystal Palace midfielder Mile Jedinak and Bournemouth goalkeeper Adam Federici.
It was a dream come true therefore, for all the Bangladesh fans to see the Socceroos in flesh. Starting from shopkeepers of Old Dhaka to English medium going students; who was not there! The spectators were so enthusiastic that they started gathering in and around the big bowl three or four hours before kick-off.
Among more than 20,000 fans, Jalal, a businessman, came all the way from Faridpur to watch the likes of Cahill and Jedinak. “I do not know if I will ever get the chance to see a World Cup playing team again,” said Jalal while holding on to his ticket with all the strength in the world, probably in fear of some ticket-snatchers.
There was also a group of Socceroos fans at the venue. Sporting yellow jerseys, around 200 Aussie fans made their presence felt in the VIP and Eastern Gallery by waving the Australian flag and shouting relentlessly at the top of their voice throughout the game.
