Editorial
Encore!
Soccer fans enjoyed every bit of it
That football could be something much finer than a brawl for the mere possession of a ball was demonstrated in a most convincing way by the local boys in the match against India Saturday. It has been a splendid showing by the national team.
The victory in the second semi-final of the third South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), an important event, has taken the local side within the striking range of the championship trophy. It was our third win in 19 encounters against India, but what is really significant is that it has come our way when the boys badly needed a psychological booster. In recent times, Bangladesh have not achieved much in football, though the game was, and still is, very popular in the country. Dejected soccer fans started talking about the better days when the national team was doing well against the neighbouring countries. Local football suffered an eclipse in the closing years of the 20th century. The national team got drubbed in almost all the international events in which it took part, and the general feeling was that the game had no future not only in Bangladesh, but in the region as a whole. Sadly, there was no way to counter it.
Well, there is truth in that contention, because Asians are still considered to be the minnows of world football. But a lot of things happened in the last World Cup to force the pundits to do some rethinking on the matter. Obviously, a single win against superior opposition will not improve our standing greatly. But local fans can duly be proud of the way it was achieved. The winning goal was indeed a great one, seldom seen in football below the top class. It was an absolutely electrifying atmosphere at the Dhaka Stadium as victory was ensured with that brilliant goal.
Our players gave a much better account of themselves in this tournament, being able to maintain the same pace and stamina throughout the series.
The boys have every reason to feel buoyant when they face the Maldives in the final today. We believe they can again produce their best and live up to the expectations of our people, who are surely looking forward to another fine performance by them.
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