There were no signs of worry on Jamal Bhuiyan’s face before facing Friday’s tough opponent in the shape of North Korea, rather the skipper looked relaxed while returning to the dugout after finishing their morning training session amid the hot weather of Bekasi.
Similarly, it was no different for his teammates, especially the senior ones.
Goalkeeper Ashraful Islam Rana and defender Topu Barman are the other two senior members in the Bangladesh U-23 squad.
Sporting a broad smile on his face, Rana was going for the last stretching session before taking the bus to return to the team hotel located in the countryside area.
“Nothing to lose, only to gain,” said Rana before adding, “It is now the responsibility of the players. I only tried to encourage them.”
Topu nodded before admitting that there is no lack of confidence in the team.
Having exhibited consistent improvements in their performances during the three group stage fixtures, the Bangladesh Olympic football team have already proved their worth and are now confident of resisting stronger opponents.
Jamal, also the hero of the Qatar game, elaborated on their target and the reality of Friday's big game in the Round of 16.
“The team have improved. The target now is the quarter-final,” he said.
But the midfielder didn’t forget to remind the strength of the opponent.
“They are a strong and big team. So it wouldn't be an easy game. But we are fully concentrated on it. It's going to be war. But the confidence is there. We will not have much chances like we had in the previous game but we have to make sure we utilise those we get,” he explained.
It was his lone goal against Qatar that earned Bangladesh their first ever qualification for the Asian Games knockout stage.
Jamal added, “Everybody is excited. My friends and family all know we have achieved something. Now we must continue our good performance.”
