Coach, captain’s apprehensions come true

Bangladesh coach Iman Gobinathan Krishnamurthy and captain Ashraful Islam had downplayed expectations from the home team ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy, citing their 40-month sabbatical from the international circuit and the shortage of practice for such a big event, much to the displeasure of critiques and fans.

But even the coach or his captain might not have expected such a chastening defeat for the men in red and green as Gobinathan's charges were handed a 9-0 drubbing by defending champions India at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium yesterday.

The rust from long absence in international hockey was apparent but so was the gulf in quality with the top-ranked Asian side, who had beaten Bangladesh 7-0 in their last meeting four years ao at the same venue.

India started their goalfest in the 12th minute with Dilpreet Singh scoring a field goal before the same player doubled India's lead 10 minutes later. Lalit Kumar Upadhyay's penalty corner in the 29th minute saw the defending champions go to the half-time break with a three-goal advantage.

Graham Reid's side turned on the style after the break with Jarmanpreet Singh bagging a brace before Dilpreet got his third in the 44th minute. The Olympic bronze medallist side then saw Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Mor and Harmanpreet Singh completing the rout with three more goals in the final quarter.

Ashraful said the result was an expected one.

"We didn't get much time for this tournament while India are a powerhouse in world hockey. We conceded a few more goals due to our mistakes," the Bangladesh captain said.

"We were not nervous. The fact is we didn't play any match in three years while they played 50-7- matches. So, the difference is quite expected. We are where we were while they have improved further," Ashraful added.

Player-of-the-match Dilpreet said they didn't repeat the mistakes from the Korea game which is why they had such a comfortable victory. Dilpreet also said that he felt Bangladesh were rusty due to long absence from international hockey.

Meanwhile, the second match of the day ended in a 3-3 draw between Japan and Korea. Japan had twice taken a two-goal advantage, but Korea fought back to draw level.

Korea had drawn their opening match against India 2-2 while Japan had played out a goalless draw against Pakistan in their first match.