Bangladesh played below par in being thrashed by defending champions Korea 0-9 in their opening match of the Asia Cup at Ipoh, Malaysia yesterday. The goals for Korea were scored by Jong Hyun (21, 42, 67), Hyun Sung Hye( 21, 35), You Hyo Sik (4), Jung Man Jae (52), Lee Sung (69) and Young Jin (70). Frustratingly, Mamunur Rahman’s men conceded three goals in the last three minutes of the game, reflecting a lack of concentration. Korea had the lion’s share of possession and Bangladesh were kept busy defending throughout the match. It was not till the dying stages that Bangladesh were able to break out of the shackles, but even then, they could not snatch a goal. Even Bangladesh’s defence was choppy, with the Koreans managing several times to have the last man in front of the goal line to flick in goals while the defence stood further ahead. Though the defence, led by goalkeeper Zahid Hossain, foiled a number of good attacks by the Koreans, they also let in a number of soft goals. Three goals coming in the last three minutes further suggested that the team was unable to maintain its concentration and this will be a concern for coach Naveed Alam ahead of today’s game against Oman. The defence was also technically poor as the speedy Koreans earned a total of 14 penalty corners of which they converted four. Bangladesh defence was outrun by the speed and skill of the fleet footed Koreans, who took time to settle but were always in control of the match. Another frustrating point was Bangladesh’s inability to win a single penalty corner in the entire 70 minutes. Russell Mahmood Jimmy produced some flashy stick work on the flanks and two of his crosses caught forward Krishna Kumar on the wrong foot. On the first occasion Krishna missed the sidepost and on the second, he failed to cut the line. Naveed Alam was frustrated and angry afterwards. “The players did not implement their defensive strategies. They allowed the Koreans in the defence. The first 20 minutes were ok but gradually the players forgot what they have been taught for the last 50 days, they failed to play as per the plan,” said Naveed over phone. “However, we will play the next match against Oman and it’s our most important match. I want to recharge the players so that they can come out firing. Let’s hope for best against Oman,” he added.
Monday, March 17, 2025
