'Don't expect a cricket score'
While Bangladesh's Dutch coach Lodewijk de Kruif was busy working on the defence organisation of his team in Perth yesterday, ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers against the mighty Australia, Socceroos midfielder Matt McKay warned the home fans not to expect a cricket score on Thursday.
Bangladesh's rivalry with Australia on a cricket field is quite common. But the footballing clash at the Nib Stadium in Perth will be Bangladesh's first against the Asian champions. And ahead of the game between the two unequal opponents, Bangladesh's biggest concern would be to avoid an embarrassing defeat.
Australia however have kept their foot on the ground after their nervy 2-1 win against Kyrgyzstan and amid injury, which is growing with number one goalkeeper Mat Ryan yesterday joining the long list that included captain Mile Jedinak, winger Robbie Kruse and striker Tomi Juric.
“You can face obstacles against countries like Kyrgyzstan and Bangladesh, though I think the pitch will be a bit better than what we played on, but we don't focus too much on the scoreline,” said Socceroos defender Mathew Spiranovic while talking to Fox Sports news.
“You don't really think about that (winning by big margins), you worry more about the process and if you do that right the result generally takes care of itself,'' he added.
Bangladesh, who are ranked 170 in the FIFA Ranking, are better known for their cricketing exploits and midfielder Matt McKay said the Socceroos must set the tone for their whole campaign and there would be no return to some of the massive scorelines from their Oceania days.
McKay believes the match against Bangladesh would not be an easy affair as they had a different experience against Kyrgyzstan.
“It's not always like that, we saw that with Kyrgyzstan game, where we thought — (they're ranked) 100-and-something in the world — international football is never easy and we won't be taking Bangladesh lightly,” McKay was quoted by Fox Sports.
“I don't know too much (about Bangladesh) yet, we've got a bit of footage. We had staff that have gone and watched their previous game and I'm sure they've done their homework,” continued McKay.
Obviously, Bangladesh have been working on Australia, how to hold them and de Kruif is giving importance on that aspect.
“The coach has given the emphasis on the defence organisation in training and instructed us not to make any mistakes during the match against Australia. Besides, the coach is also working on the speed of the players to cash in on the opportunities if we get any,” said Bangladesh captain Mamunul Islam over phone yesterday.
“Tonight (Monday) we are supposed to watch the Malaysia match to asses our weak points and tomorrow (Tuesday) we will watch the footage of Australia to set the strategy,” said the midfielder adding that they have been enjoying the moments of their first visit in Australia.
Both Bangladesh and Australia had their practice sessions in Perth but only nine players turned up to the first day's training of Socceroos as most of them were on their way to Perth after their club commitments in different countries.