Hosts brace for China challenge

A morally-shattered Bangladesh will be looking to salvage sixth position in the Hero Asia Cup when they take on China in the 5th-8th place deciding match at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium tonight.

A win over China will ensure that Bangladesh finish at least sixth, with the scope for even a fifth-place finish subject to another win on Friday. On the other hand, a defeat against the Chinese will force the hosts to fight for either seventh or eighth position, the latter being the position Bangladesh achieved in 2013.

Beating China will be an uphill task for Bangladesh, who however beat the same opposition in their last meeting during inaugural Hockey World League Round-2 in Delhi four years ago.

The charges of Mahbub Harun have, however, not been in any rhythm so far as they have conceded three straight defeats and 17 goals in all.

“Our players could not play well in the last three matches, but over the last three days we have analysed our previous matches and prepared accordingly. If they can implement the instructions in the line with the game plan, then a win against China can be expected,” Harun said after conducting a one-and-a-half hour's training session yesterday.

The coach may have sounded confident, but the body language of his charges during the training sessions hardly relayed any positive message. The players tried to launch attacks on the break through the flanks but they struggled in the attacking third in controlling the ball, providing the perfect pass and executing hits effectively. They even struggled to hit the target from penalty corners.

“The boys know very well that all the criticism and discussion will be buried if they can beat China. I believe they will play positively and give their best on the pitch,” said the former national player.

Captain Rasel Mahmud Jimmy was the architect of the China victory in 2013, but the ace forward has been a shadow of his former self during this tournament. A much-improved performance from him is badly needed for Bangladesh against China.  

“I always play for the team and tomorrow I will do so too and give my hundred per cent. I have been trying to support the team as a captain and I believe Bangladesh will play well against China as a team,” said Jimmy.

“We might have had a good time in the last four years but this time we are not being able to perform. Whatever we say means nothing until we perform on the pitch,” Jimmy said. “We came into the tournament with the hope of finishing either fifth or sixth and if we can win the match against China, then our target will be fulfilled.”