Finishing lets down 'proud' Day
The final pass and touches [in the box] were not good enough. That's what we have to work on. The national team players have to play week in, week out for their clubs because they need to get into a position to become better.
JAMIE DAY
BANGLADESH COACH
Bangladesh coach Jamie Day expressed satisfaction over his side's performance against Palestine despite a 2-0 loss in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup semifinal yesterday, adding that his players' profligacy in front of goal made the difference.
"I'm extremely proud of the performance. We started a bit slowly in the first ten minutes and then conceded from a cross. They were really dangerous in the air because they are a physically imposing side. Afterwards we played really good football -- good movement, getting into spaces, creating chances -- but it was a little bit of the same story of not taking our chances," was how Day summed up the match after the hosts exited from the semifinals of the tournament for the second straight edition.
"It is disappointing to exit the tournament but our boys have done very well.
"I think we played very good stuff. Our players passed the ball very well, we were in control of the game for a long time but we just couldn't take the chances. We need to score, that's the weakness. We have opportunities from set-pieces but we need to score. It's not only about forwards, everyone has to play a part to score goals," said Day.
The 38-year-old believes Bangladesh played better in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup than they did in the SAFF Championship, adding that the performances against Philippines and Palestine in this tournament were the best under his guidance over three competitions.
"I will go back to England to see my family. Then I will come back to watch the league and get a squad ready for November's international friendly. The players deserve a break as well. I can come back fresh watch players who didn't get a chance. I'm looking forward to the next month. I'll choose younger players for that; anyone who scores goals, I'll take," Day stated emphatically.
Palestine coach Noureddine Ali also praised Bangladesh's performance, saying: "It was tough luck for Bangladesh. We had an idea of this ground and their team as well. We speak of their good striker number nine [Nabib Newaj Jibon] and asked my players to stop their long passes. I think we cut off the supply for the strikers. Now, we are looking forward to the final."
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