‘Dissapointed to not keep a clean sheet’

Head coach Jamie Day believes the performance from the forwards and defenders against Bhutan will help Bangladesh in their 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup Qualifying home match against Qatar.

The boys in red and green crushed Bhutan 4-1 in the first of two international friendlies, dominating the through relentless attacking football on a rain-soaked ground.

However, Day will definitely adopt a different style of play against Asian champions Qatar, who blanked Afghanistan 6-0 before being held to a goalless draw against India.

Asked how the friendly helped in terms of preparation for the Qatar game, Day said: “We scored goals, something we failed to do before. We have got good areas on the pitch. We may get good areas against Qatar one or two times. They got chances today but when we face Qatar we may get fewer chances. We need to take them.”

Day was also pleased with the performance on the far from pristine pitch at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

“We are pleased with the game despite the terrible condition [of the pitch]. The field was muddy but the boys played well and scored four goals. The disappointing thing is that we could not keep a clean sheet. We are looking forward to the next game against Bhutan. Hopefully we can win and keep a clean sheet and get confidence,” said Jamie.

He added that individual mistakes were part and parcel of the game. “Any player can make mistakes in the match and that is part of football. In return, we scored four goals. We made one mistake which led to us conceding but the rest of the match, the backline played well, with Yeasin Khan playing great. I’m pleased with them. The performance of the defenders was steady. We would like to keep a clean sheet but we could not,” said the 39-year-old.

Striker Nabib Newaz Jibon said that they took to the field with hopes of getting such a convincing victory in mind.

“Although we expected such big win, we did not perform well. We are hoping to perform better in the next match and to leave the field with another victory,” said Jibon, who added that he had trouble with the pitch.

“I’m also playing in the number 10 position for my club, Abahani, and the national team. The experience at club level helped a lot regarding which position I should play. My confidence has also been boosted after scoring two goals and it is a good feeling for me.”

Bhutan coach Pema Dorji attributed the result to the pitch, saying the weren’t used to playing on it.