Bangladesh conceded a 3-0 defeat to Uzbekistan in their Group E opening match of the Asian Games football at the Yingdong stadium in Guangzhou on Sunday. Uzbekistan led 2-0 in the first half.
Head coach Robert Rubcic termed the result ‘satisfactory’ but expressed his dissatisfaction as his players committed a lot of mistakes providing the edge to their opponents.
Uzbekistan took the lead in the 29th minute with Kenja Turaev scoring with an angular shot after Bangladesh defenders failed to mark him properly. Bangladesh defence, formed with Reza, Ariful, Nasir and Wali Faisal, fumbled again three minutes before the break when Reza failed to stop Odil Ahmedov from putting the ball past an outrushing goalkeeper Himel.
Himel limped off the field midway through the second half with a shoulder injury and a half-fit skipper Aminul Haque replaced him under the bar.
Ivan Nagaev scored the third goal for Uzbekistan tapping home the rebounder that came off Aminul’s hand.
Rubcic admitted the technical and tactical superiority of Uzbekistan. ‘They beat us in the technical and tactical side, players committed a lot of mistakes that was not expected; however, it is my first match with the team and I have got a clear picture of where I have to work,’ said the Derbian coach.
Rubcic, however, saw his players were tired. ‘I found the players were tired as they had little time to relax after the gruelling Federation Cup, they found it hard to keep up the tempo, let’s hope for the best in the next two matches,’ added Rubcic.
Rubcic played a 4-3-2-1 formation with Emily as the lone striker, [Abdul Baten] Komal and Enamul were behind him and the three midfielders were Mamunul, Mintu and Jitu.
Rubcic hinted a number of changes in the squad for the match against UAE on Tuesday.
In the other matches of the day, Kuwait defeated India 2-0 and Oman beat the Maldives 3-0.
