Preview: Bangladesh vs Iraq; Ilievski expects team work
Dhaka, October 26: Bangladesh will be looking for teamwork based performance against Iraq in the second match of the AFC U-19 Group A qualifiers at the Bangabandhu National Stadium at 7:00 pm on Thursday.
Boosted by the 3-0 win over Maldives in the first match Bangladesh youngsters was eager to continue the trend against Iraq but coach Nikola Ilievski was aware of the tough challenges ahead. “The first match was important. We were under huge pressure on Tuesday to make a good impression. The Maldives were not a good team. Now the players are more motivated after a good win and they have found the confidence” said Ilelvski.
Ilievski was worried with the fixture. “The fixture is very intense. One day for playing and the other day for rest, so there will be a different starting line-up in every match. I want my team to play more collective rather concentrating on individuals” said the Romanian.
Ilievski admitted that he had no idea about Iraq he was determined to put an attacking show. “I do not have any idea about Iraq but I heard that they are a strong team. I have respect for my opponents. may be they have information about us as they saw us playing yesterday”. ”I will go for attacking 4-3-3 formation. I like attacking from the beginning” he added.
Ilievski hinted Malek, Krishna, Sajib and Anik may start in the opening line up.
Though the players are free of any injuries there are some minor problems. “The field was very hard . Five of my players had a stiff muscle problem. When you run on a hard surface it harms the lower part of your body especially the calf muscle. Our training ground the BKSP fields were soft so there are some discomfort among the players” said the Macedonian.
Iraq enjoyed their practice session on Wednesday afternoon and their media manager on behalf of their coach said Iraq will put their best for a winning start. “We want to win all the matches and to qualify for the finals, Bangladesh in their own back yard will be strong unit but we have the confidence to put a good show” said the Iraqi media manager.