BSS, South Korea :
High flying Bangladesh were brought down to earth as Games favorites’ Uzbekistan were in mood to flirt as they handed 3-0 defeat in the first round group football match of Asian Games at Ansan Wa Stadium on Thursday.
Bangladesh, who recorded a surprise 1-0 victory over Afghanistan in their first outing last Monday were a pale shadow on Thursday. Their defensive attitude allowed Uzbeks to go all out and in the very first half they scored 3-0 goals.
In the very 14th minute Bangladesh defense finally crumble as Rashidov’s harmless cross saw Bangladesh goalkeeper Rasel failed to read the flight as the ball hit the side.
A goal mouth melee saw Bangladesh defenders was slow to clear the ball while Vokhid Shodiev despite lying on the ground smartly flicked the ball past the goal line 1-0.
The same combination saw another Rashidov’s gem of a cross saw Vokhid Shodiev rise above the Bangladesh defenders to nod home brilliantly (2-0).
Finally Sardor Rashidov was rewarded for his assists as he slammed a beautiful goal as Bangladesh allowed him to take a shot from an advantageous position from a free kick (3-0).
The second half Bangladesh defended stoutly not allowing them to score with Uzbek forwards desperately trying to increase the goal tally but they were kept in bay by their rival defenders.
Despite the defeat , Bangladesh still have an outside chance if they can beat Hong Kong on September 22, then will qualify for the second round while a draw will see Hong Kong qualify for the second round.
Teams :
Bangladesh: Rasel Mahmud, Rayhan Hasan, Kasto Bosh Kumar, Yeasin Khan, Yeamin Munna, Topu Barman, Jamal Bhuiyan, Sohel Rana, Mamunul Islam Mamun, Toklis Ahmed and Hemonto Biswas.
Uzbekistan: Suyunov, Egor Krimets, Kashimdov, Tukhtakhujaev, Fozil Mosaev, Jamshid Iskanderov, Vladamir Kozak, Vokhid Shodiev, Sardor Rashidov and Farrukh Sayfiev.
