Bangladesh face Thailand today
Bangladesh hockey players practise penalty corners under the watchful eyes of their German coach Gerhard Peter Rach on the eve of their opening match of the Asian Games hockey qualifiers against Thailand at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium yesterday.Photo: STAR
Bangladesh will take on Thailand in the Robi Asian Games Hockey Qualifiers at the Maulana Bhasani Stadium today. This will be Bangladesh's opening match of the campaign while second for Thailand who had lost their first game against Singapore 5-2.
Bangladesh, the highest ranked team in the competition, are expected to have an easy outing as their opponents showed very little in terms of quality, speed or technique in their first match. The home advantage, apart from the higher ranking, is expected to be a big bonus for the hosts. Bangladesh are currently ranked 34th in the latest international rankings, 26 places above their today's opponents.
Bangladesh's German coach Gerhard Peter Rach has his eyes set on the Asian Games and expects Bangladesh to become champions for the third consecutive time in the qualifiers. However, he has pointed out Singapore, Chinese Taipei and Sri Lanka as potential threats to the title. He is expected to opt for an attacking formation and try as many players as possible during the course of the tournament.
The game will begin at the 2pm and state-run Bangla-desh Television will provide live coverage.
Sri Lanka will take on Hong Kong in the first match while Singapore will take on Taipei in the last.
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