Bangladesh football team conceded a 2-0 defeat to a strong Australia side in the second leg of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in the capital’s Bashundhara Kings Arena Thursday.
Javier Cabrera kept his word as his charges put in a much improved performance from the away tie where they conceded seven goals.
The tactics of the Spanish head coach appeared to be spot on as Bangladesh's defensive shape stayed organized and disciplined to combat the world-class Socceroos attack.
Australia’s head coach Graham Arnold gave debut appearance to young star Nestory Irankunda who was signed by Bayern Munich and set to join the Bavarian giants next month.
Irankunda played a role behind the opening goal in the 29th minute as his pass to Ajdin Hrustic steered the forward to take a left-footed strike that deflected off defender Mehedi Hasan to find the net, leaving goalie Mitul Marma stunned on the opposite side.
The men in red and green had conceded four goals in the first half during the away match in Melbourne last November.
Cabrera warned his side before the match to avoid early goals and this time, his troops went to the break with only one for the visitors.
The mighty visiting team doubled the lead in the 62nd minute as Kusini Yengi headed in a cross into the far post after his marker Mehedi fell down the pitch.
The home side however, could not create any notable chances to test the Australian defence except a Sheikh Morsalin shot that deflected off for the cost of a corner.
Morsalin was one of five changes Cabrera made from the last Palestine tie in March alongside center-back Tariq Raihan Kazi as both returned from injury while Bishwanath Ghosh was out of the squad for card issue.
Jamal Bhuiyan started on the bench to accommodate five defenders.
The Bangladesh skipper was substituted in after resumption and immediately fed a cross for Morsalin in the box but the effort was blocked.
Cabrera found the result positive considering the strength of the opponents.
He said: “We are very proud of the work of the boys. It’s a positive result.”
Australia remained on top of Group I with five wins from as many matches and are yet to concede a goal while Bangladesh languish at the bottom with a single point.
Bangladesh will face Lebanon away in the second leg of the World Cup qualifier next Tuesday.
RESULT
Bangladesh 0 Australia 2 (Hrustic 29, Yengi 62)
