India holds Bangladesh to a draw By Our Special Correspondent
RAWALPINDI, MARCH 28. Defending champion Bangladesh could not do anything against a spirited Indian challenge as the teams drew goalless in the opening match of group `A' football competition in the ninth SAF Games at the Army Stadium here on Sunday.
Mehedi Hasan's left-footer volley shook the cross-bar midway through the second half, but the Bangladesh team was rusty overall after a bright start when it showed speed and skill in teasing the young Indian team.
Ashraful Quader, Mostofa Anowar, Mohammed Abdulla Al Parvez and Mohammed Ashraful Karim had a go at the goal once each, but the Indian goalkeeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury was competent under the bar in denying the Bangladesh attack.
The Indian team had its chances, with Vimal Pariyar playing a lively game, but he lacked the finish to capitalise on the openings that he created with considerable craft.
Obviously, the Indian boys lacked the confidence and alacrity to capitalise on the chances, and Habibur Rahman Mondal was guilty of missing a sitter when he fumbled and fell right in front of the goal.
The coach of the Indian team, Alok Mukherjee was disappointed, though he praised the lads, especially the defenders, for an improved fare in the second half.
"Our team did not play up to the mark. It was the first match, and we were playing so early in the day'', said Mukherjee.
The only note of surprise was the manner in which the Indian national anthem was played twice, during halftime and after the match, without so much as a warning. Maybe the organisers had predicted an Indian victory, and had the anthem ready for use. Perhaps, they wanted to inspire the team, or somebody just played the tap without knowing what it meant.
On a more serious note, a victory would have literally ensured a semifinal berth for either of the teams, and India will have the unenviable task of clashing against the home team, Pakistan, in its next match on March 30. In that context, the match this day could possibly be a strong preparation for the Indian boys, who are quite keen to make a positive impact.
The fact that the television cameras were parked at the Jinnah Stadium in readiness for the `live' coverage of the opening ceremony meant that there was no telecast of football.
-- Opera - Simply the Best Internet Experience: http://www.opera.com
##########################################################################
# Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts #
# More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others #
##########################################################################
