A spectacular performance by Russian girls saw Bangladesh youth women's team barely hold on to a 3-0 defeat in their first ever game against a European side during the Saff U-17 Championship 2023 in Dhaka Wednesday.
It was Russia's debut match in Bangladesh, and also their first ever encounter in any format of Saff competitions.
The visitors dominated every department, be it showing skills and movements to create chances or score goals.
They are taller and technically better and the huge difference between the two countries in the Fifa rankings was evident from the beginning.
The star of the show was Russian captain Elena Golik who only matched the height of Bangladesh players.
She scored twice and provided a fantastic assist for the other to secure a comfortable victory.
It took Golik only five minutes to give Russia the lead as the skipper showed fine skill to utilize a long cross of Vasilisa Avdienko before placing into the net.
Bangladesh had their only chance in the 43rd minute, testing Russian goalkeeper Uliana Obukhova who produced a diving save to deny Sauravi Akanda Prity's right-footer.
Golik doubled the lead in the 45th minute after eye-catching team work.
Anastasia Karataeva forwarded a defence splitting lob for Anna Sakharova who sped past her markers before feeding the ball to Golik for a calm finish.
Bangladesh keeper Songita Rani Das had nothing much to do for the third goal which initiated from a fantastic Golik lob that paved the way for Karataeva to find the net after the break.
The home side remained disciplined and organized in the rest of the match to secure the fort but couldn't create any opportunity either.
After the game, Bangladesh head coach Golam Rabbani Choton pointed to their poor start and admitted that he would change tactics and formation if his team come up against the same opponents again.
Russian head coach Elena Medved was in joyous mood at the post-match presser despite admitting their difficulty in adjusting to the weather and the turf of Bir Shrestha Shaheed Sepahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium.
She said her players have been together for two years and that the captain Golik plays for a top club in Russia in the premier league.
Usually at the Saff women's competitions, Bangladesh and India are used to dominating the opponents but this time, Russia have already showed the other side of the coin in the very first match.
Meanwhile in their next tie, Bangladesh play India while Russia face Bhutan Friday.
Result
Bangladesh U-17 0 – 3 Russia U-17 (Golik 5, 45, Karataeva 63)
Starting Xl
Bangladesh: Songita Rani, Ruma Akter, Kanom Akter, Joynob Bibi, Arpita Biswas, Ritu Akter, Nusrat Jahan, Thuinuye Marma, Trishna Rani, Kanon Rani, Sauravi Akanda
Russia: Uliana Obukhova, Elena Golik, Anna Sakharova, Anastasia Karataeva, Veronika Shumakova, Viktoria Kriukova, Arina Kadigrob, Vasilisa Avdienko, Viktoria Believa, Maria Nechaeva, Daria Kotlova
