'We failed to mark third attacker'
Despite keeping the Japan U-21 side at bay till the 60th minute on the face of an onslaught of attacks, the Bangladesh national team suffered a 0-3 defeat, thanks to three goals in the space of 15 minutes.
The Bangladesh defenders thwarted numerous attacks in the first half, defending deep and resolutely, but as the game wore on, they struggled to contain the three-pronged attack of the Japanese youngsters. The Bangladesh defenders were especially guilty of failing to mark the third attacker, who operated from a deeper position, felt Bangladesh coach Saiful Bari Titu.
"The Japanese players are way ahead of us in terms of technique and skill," said the interim coach of Bangladesh. "We could not track down their third attacker in the second half even though the boys blocked the spaces they were searching for in the first half," said Titu during the post-match press briefing.
The former Bangladesh international, who adopted a counter-attacking strategy, felt the first goal was the turning point of the match but thought the result could have been different had they resisted Japan for a few more minutes.
"If we could have stopped them for a few more minutes, they would have played more aggressively and we could have got some space upfront. But our players failed to play according to the plan after conceding the opening goal," said Titu.
Japan coach Teguramori Makoto said they studied the Bangladesh team closely and decided to neutralise their three forwards Emily, Zahid and Sohel.
"We studied their strength and saw that their three forwards can turn the table around with their speedy run and skill. We made them dysfunctional and dictated the game."
The Japan coach believes Bangladesh can play better if they go on concerted attacks which Japan follows.
"When a Japanese player goes on attack, two more players go out to help him. But I saw when a Bangladeshi player goes on attack, only one player goes for the help. If Bangladesh can improve in this section, I think they can improve further," ended Makoto.
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