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2009 SAFF Cup Special: Know Your Opponents - Team Bangladesh
Continuing with our SAFF Cup special series, in which we profile each of the other seven teams in the competition, Goal.com's Amoy Ghoshal looks at hosts Bangladesh
29-Nov-2009 6:29:27 PM
FIFA Ranking: 165
Best Result In SAFF Cup: Champions In 2003
Result In Last SAFF Cup: Group Stages
History:
After their independence in 1971, the Bangladesh national football team was formed a year later and then in 1974 their national association became a part of FIFA. The national team may not be successful in the world stage but the beautiful game is still the most popular sport in the country despite the success of the cricket team. One of their best moments in football came in 1980, when Bangladesh became the second country from South Asia after India, to qualify for the final rounds of the Asia Cup which was held in Kuwait. They crashed out of the group stages but just being a part of such a prestigious tournament will surely go down as a historic moment for them considering the fact that they have never even come close to qualification ever since. At sub-continental level they have been one of the most consistent teams after India. They reached three consecutive SAFF Cup finals between 1999 and 2005, winning the tournament in 2003 by beating Maldives on penalties in front of 50,000 home supporters. They lost the other two finals to India. Bangladesh have also won the gold in the South Asian Games once in 1999.
Current Team:
The SAFF Cup returns to Bangladesh after six years and the whole country would be hoping of a repeat of events from 2003, when the ‘Bengal Tigers’ won their first and only SAFF Cup. But all has been not well in the dressing room as the football federation of Bangladesh shockingly decided to terminate the contract of Brazilian coach Dido only a month before the tournament, for sticking to a young group of players, a policy which was not liked by the BFF (Bangladesh Football Federation). Interim coach Shahidur Rahman Shantoo will be in charge of the team for the SAFF Cup and it remains to be seen how the players adapt to their new coach's plans. Bangladesh did well earlier this year to qualify for the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup after finishing the best second placed team ahead of defending SAFF Cup champions Maldives. They play a short and sound passing game and rely heavily on their attack, especially on talented strikers like Enamul Haque and Hasan Emily. The midfield also need to do a good job while Wali Faisal will have to play a big role for the defence. Skipper Aminul Haque is a decent goalkeeper and can prove to be a matchwinner on his day.
Key Player:
Zahid Hasan Emily – The 21 year old is a very important player for his club Mohammedan SC and has the ability to score crucial goals. He is one of the most promising players of Bangladesh so he would be hoping for a good showing for the host nation.
The Group:
Hosts Bangladesh would be happy to avoid India in the group stages but will not be taking anything for granted after missing out on the semis in the last edition. They are expected to qualify from the group and so will be looking for a good result in the opening game against Bhutan.
Verdict:
Four out of the previous seven editions has been won by the host country which means Bangladesh have a very good opportunity to win their second title. It won't be easy beating higher ranked teams like Maldives or India in the knockout stages, but Bangladesh would be facing their chances in front of their home fans.
Amoy Ghoshal
Best Result In SAFF Cup: Champions In 2003
Result In Last SAFF Cup: Group Stages
History:
After their independence in 1971, the Bangladesh national football team was formed a year later and then in 1974 their national association became a part of FIFA. The national team may not be successful in the world stage but the beautiful game is still the most popular sport in the country despite the success of the cricket team. One of their best moments in football came in 1980, when Bangladesh became the second country from South Asia after India, to qualify for the final rounds of the Asia Cup which was held in Kuwait. They crashed out of the group stages but just being a part of such a prestigious tournament will surely go down as a historic moment for them considering the fact that they have never even come close to qualification ever since. At sub-continental level they have been one of the most consistent teams after India. They reached three consecutive SAFF Cup finals between 1999 and 2005, winning the tournament in 2003 by beating Maldives on penalties in front of 50,000 home supporters. They lost the other two finals to India. Bangladesh have also won the gold in the South Asian Games once in 1999.
Current Team:
The SAFF Cup returns to Bangladesh after six years and the whole country would be hoping of a repeat of events from 2003, when the ‘Bengal Tigers’ won their first and only SAFF Cup. But all has been not well in the dressing room as the football federation of Bangladesh shockingly decided to terminate the contract of Brazilian coach Dido only a month before the tournament, for sticking to a young group of players, a policy which was not liked by the BFF (Bangladesh Football Federation). Interim coach Shahidur Rahman Shantoo will be in charge of the team for the SAFF Cup and it remains to be seen how the players adapt to their new coach's plans. Bangladesh did well earlier this year to qualify for the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup after finishing the best second placed team ahead of defending SAFF Cup champions Maldives. They play a short and sound passing game and rely heavily on their attack, especially on talented strikers like Enamul Haque and Hasan Emily. The midfield also need to do a good job while Wali Faisal will have to play a big role for the defence. Skipper Aminul Haque is a decent goalkeeper and can prove to be a matchwinner on his day.
Key Player:
Zahid Hasan Emily – The 21 year old is a very important player for his club Mohammedan SC and has the ability to score crucial goals. He is one of the most promising players of Bangladesh so he would be hoping for a good showing for the host nation.
The Group:
Hosts Bangladesh would be happy to avoid India in the group stages but will not be taking anything for granted after missing out on the semis in the last edition. They are expected to qualify from the group and so will be looking for a good result in the opening game against Bhutan.
Verdict:
Four out of the previous seven editions has been won by the host country which means Bangladesh have a very good opportunity to win their second title. It won't be easy beating higher ranked teams like Maldives or India in the knockout stages, but Bangladesh would be facing their chances in front of their home fans.
Amoy Ghoshal
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