A good decision by Australia
At long last, the Australia’s world cup soccer squads are coming to Bangladesh to play their return match of the World Cup Football Asia Zone Group B qualification match to be held on November 17. The Australia Football Federation appealed to the FIFA to shift the venue from Dhaka, citing security issue, but in vain.
As the reigning Asia champions are one point behind group leader Jordan, every of their remaining four matches is very important to them. So, they cannot take the risk of giving walkover to Bangladesh, because in that case they will not only lose three points, FIFA may impose other penalties on them, which may not be pleasant at all.
The equation of the group suggests if Jordan and Australia win their remaining matches and draw between them, the second named might be eliminated from the World Cup Football 2018 in the second round of the Asia Zone qualification, which will be disgraceful for them. The good news is that the return match will be held in Sydney and a win will keep their hopes alive.
On the other hand, already eliminated Bangladesh with one point in five matches should play their best at least for one point. However, they have a slim chance to qualify for the final round of the Asia Cup Football 2019 to be held in UAE with 24 nations. Let us hope for the success of our national football team. Let there be light on November 17.
Khadem Hossein
Dhaka
