Bangladesh head coach Lodewijk de Kruif warned his players not to underestimate Pakistan, their opponents in the must win Group A match of the Saff Championship that kicks-off at the Armed Forces Ground, Kathmandu at 3:45 pm today.
With Nepal and India also taking the field for their last group match simultaneously, Bangladesh will be rooting a win for the hosts and, at the same time, try to register at least a 2-0 win against Pakistan. Both Bangladesh and Pakistan have one point from two matches while they also have the goal difference. However, a draw between Nepal and India, having four points each, will see both Bangladesh and Pakistan eliminated regardless the result. De Kruif termed Pakistan as a dangerous opponent. “It seems that everybody had underrated Pakistan, but they are a very strong team with matured players. They are an improved side with the inclusion of their foreign based players and they will come out hard against us,” said the Dutch coach. Meanwhile, Bangladesh were hit with a new blow as acting captain Nasiruddin is uncertain for the important clash. He sustained three stitches on his forehead off an elbow of Sunil Chhetri during their last match. Heavy bandages may allow Nasir to take the field, but it all will depend upon the reduction of the swelling on the stitched area. Hardworking forward Toklis also did not attend the practice yesterday due to fever. Pakistan definitely has the physical advantage over Bangladesh with their height and physique, but Bangladesh will try to play a passing and possession game to overcome the physical challenge of their opponents. De Kruif was trying to boost his players with pep-talks. “They are still to overcome the shock and it’s difficult to motivate them. However, the burn is there and I hope they will take the momentum of the last match to this match. In the first match the players were nervous and in the second they produced the fighting spirit, however they unfortunately had to play against 13-man, but they played well,” said de Kruif. When asked about whether his forward line is faring up to his expectations de Kruif said he has seen the spirit among his attackers. “They have tried their best and there were no dearth of efforts, I have to expect what I have in my resources,” said de Kruif. “Maybe luck is not with us, we need a little bit of luck also,” added the Dutch coach. Pakistan has a formidable winger in Mohammad Adil whose speed and quick footwork will pose all the threats to the Bangladesh defence. Tall and muscular Denmark based forward Hasan Bashir and his attacking partner Mohammad Riaz will also be looking for the loopholes of Bangladesh. In the 17 encounters till date, Bangladesh have won seven, lost five while the other five matches ended in a draw. Pakistani coach Shahzad Anwar termed the match would be a do or die battle. “We will take the field to win the match and to remain alive in the meet, a win is our prime target and we know Bangladesh is boosted up with the draw against India. We are not taking anything granted we want to fight and win,” said Shahzad. The Pakistani coach thought they were unlucky in the meet. “In the first match we were deprived by the side post and we conceded a late goal against Nepal, we are not enjoying the luck and it seems all the lucks are with India, however, they (India) are playing negative football,” said Shahzad.
