Football triumphs
Australia badly needed three points on last Tuesday in Dhaka and they got it. Now they lead the Group B of the World Cup Football Asian Zone qualifiers with 15 points in six matches, two ahead of Jordan after the team’s surprise defeat to Kyrgyzstan the same day. A home draw with Tajikistan on March 24 will enable Australia to reach the final round of the Asian Zone qualifiers. The visitors played professional football, a lesson for weaker football playing nations like Bangladesh and India.
On the other hand, Bangladesh wanted to play improved football and they did it in the second half applauded by almost the stadium packed spectators. The home team now need to retain the performance they showed against Australia and that will be possible subject to the good planning and execution and impartial players selection.
Bangladesh will play their last match against Jordan in Amman on March 24, while Australia meet Tajikistan the same day, and then the heart breaking match against Jordan will be held after five days at home.
There is no doubt that Bangladesh team’s performance is poor. They played seven games, earned one point only, scored two goals and conceded 24 goals. What Bangladesh need most is making Football apolitical. The BFF must not be field for the politicians to dominate and dictate. It should be a matter of national pride, not of fency of any or some individuals.
Abdullah Akber
Dhaka
