Asian football expert John Duerden (@JohnnyDuerden) assesses the Bengal Tigers, the Socceroos' opponents in their next 2018 FIFA World Cup™ Qualifier Asian zone match at Perth's nib Stadium on September 3.
The first home game for Australia on the road to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ takes places in Perth on September 3 as a determined Bangladesh come to WA following in Australia's Dutch-inspired footsteps.
The South Asians are a little down after collecting just one point form the opening two games in the group, especially as the most recent clash against Tajikistan was going well until an equaliser two minutes from time.
That 1-1 draw followed a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Kyrgyzstan five days earlier.
It means though that there is a need to collect some points against Australia and Jordan if the Bengal Tigers are to have a chance of getting off bottom spot, but more important for the country is the continuation of development at all levels of the game.
Coach Lodewijk de Kruif is involved at various age levels at the national team and is trying to instil long-term change.
”The players played a sort of kick-and-run football when I first came,: he told FIFA.com in June.
“It is not something which suit the team because the players are not physically strong and tall. But we began the education of Dutch school football and the players have learned fast and adapted well. We have a very young squad and they are the country's future."
He is also casting his net a little wider than usual.
South Asian neighbour Afghanistan has had some success by looking to overseas talent that is eligible to appear for the national team, winning the 2013 regional title.
Pakistan has been doing something similar and there are calls in India to do the same - though laws will have to be changed first.
Rizwan Ahmed and Mohammed Ali Akmol are based in the Welsh league and have been invited to undergo trials with the Bangladesh national team over the coming days.
“From a young age it has been my dream to play pro football and I am close to my first pro contract,” Rizwan, a 21 year-old left-back, was quoted as saying by local media.
“I would like the opportunity to represent Bangladesh as it would be an honour to be a part of something my father has supported for so long.”
They could join Reasat Khaton a midfielder with extensive experience in the German lower divisions and now playing his club football in the Philippines.
The main striker Jahid Hasan will be there, as he has been for a number of years now, and is getting support from Zahid Hossein now fully recovered from injury.
The skilful winger is a vital part of the team's attacking strategy and since returning to action has been in fine form for Sheikh Russel in the Bangladeshi league as the 2013 champion tries to stay in the hint for the 2015 title
Coach de Kruif is currently in his second spell in charge of the national team and it has been and up and down time.
Still hurting from the late Tajik goal, the Dutchman knows that Australia and Jordan are going to be tough regardless of whether Bangladesh has a more international hue than before.
First, he has to pick his team up from the devastating late equaliser conceded against Tajikistan in June.
"We deserved more than a draw," De Kruif said. "We played well but should have claimed three points. But still it was a big boost for us. After all, our opponents in the opening two matches are strong. Our tactics worked well [against Tajikistan] and our boys played attractive football.
“Both [Australia and Jordan] are strong but we won't give up without fight. The team wants to do the people proud with good results against all opponents.
"In footballing terms Bangladesh may be not a big country, but these players are intent on changing the picture."
Socceroos vs Bangladesh
Thursday 3 September, 2015
nib Stadium
Kick Off 7.00pm
Gates Open 5.30pm
Click here for tickets.
