Defeated, not disgraced

So it's a 5-0 defeat for Bangladesh against a rampant Australia in their joint World Cup-Asian Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

Looking at the scoreline it was not as bad as feared at the Nib Stadium in Perth in front of a capacity Socceroos fans.

Bangladesh went into the break with 4-0 arrears that even five times World champions Brazil can envy especially after what had happened at the Estadio Mineirao against Germany last year.

The reference of that game that Germany won 7-1-- a result that will haunt every Brazilian fan across the globe for the rest of their lives -- fits here for a completely different reason. While Brazil's annihilation was beyond anybody's imagination, a similar or more punishing defeat was a reality for Bangladesh against an Australian team that belong to a different class.

Ironically, the scoreline did not reflect how dominant the Socceroos were and to be honest it could have been an 8-0 victory had three of their attempts not been denied by the woodwork.

Leckie gave the Socceroos the lead as early as the sixth minute, before Rogic's double strike gave the home side a 3-0 cushion by the end of the 20th minute. Burns made it 4-0 nine minutes later.

After the break it was Mooy's spectacular volley that sealed a comprehensive win for the four-time World Cuppers.

And for Bangladesh it was truly a baptism by fire in their first venture beyond the Asian landscape. There was fear that it would be a total embarrassment for Bangladesh in their first-ever competitive game against Australia.

It was embarrassing. For the entire 90 odd minutes the Bangladesh booters were chasing the shadows of an opponent who were miles ahead in terms of skill, speed and excellence. Parking a bus is now a common phrase for a team playing with a packed defence. Bangladesh also tried to park a bus at the Nib Stadium. But they actually required two busses if they were to stop the Socceroos from scoring.

Playing with 11 men deep inside their own half, the effort of the players were bellowing like an accordion against a constant wave of attack. In the first half they resembled a fish out of water gasping for air. But they fared batter in the second half when they were better in man marking and appeared more comfortable back peddling against those sleek feet.

Unfortunately they did not get a single chance to attack on the break. Bangladesh actually took two shots at the target, one from defender Topu Barman from mid-pitch and the other, a free-kick by Bangladesh captain Mamunul Islam straight to the goalkeeper.

Bangladeshi players, who are accustomed to playing against slow-paced opponents, were awestruck watching how fast the Australian players wrested back the possession of the ball whenever they lost it. It was so scary for them that nobody even tried to hold the ball even once.

Bangladesh goalkeeper Shahidul Alam Sohel was expected to play a good part in the match and despite conceding five he saved as many under the bar. The defence also played exceedingly well after the break, winning more aerial balls against those towering Australians. They were also successful for not allowing Australian captain Tim Cahill, who came off the bench after the break, to put his name on the scoresheet.

Besides, Bangladesh players even in defeat deserved the fair play award for committing less fouls than their decorated opponents.

However, the most remarkable achievement of Mamunul and co was that they stood their ground in 90-plus minutes against one of the most aggressive teams in the world. And this will sure auger well for them in the future.