United News of Bangladesh

Germany goes for a third straight win in Group A against a Switzerland team that also is unbeaten. Germany has advanced to the knockout stage and Switzerland looks sure to confirm its place Sunday. The kickoff in Frankfurt — at the same time as group rivals Hungary and Scotland meet in Stuttgart — is 9 p.m. local (1900 GMT). Here’s what to know about the match: Match facts — Both teams impressed in their first games: Germany routed Scotland 5-1 and Switzerland beat Hungary 3-1. Germany sustained its form by beating Hungary 2-0, the Swiss less so in a 1-1 draw with Scotland. — Germany has already reached the round of 16 and with just a draw will finish top of Group A. That would send Germany to Dortmund for a knockout game next Saturday against the runner-up of Group C, which is currently Denmark. UEFA says it will improve Frankfurt field after turf cuts up in England-Denmark game at Euro 2024 — Switzerland will top the group if it wins. That would send Germany to Berlin to play the runner-up in Group B, which likely will be Italy or Croatia. — Only freakish results could drop Switzerland to third place in the standings. The Swiss start Sunday three points ahead of Scotland, which plays Hungary also at 9 p.m. local time in Stuttgart. Switzerland has a huge goal-difference advantage over Scotland. — The rain-soaked Frankfurt field has been a problem, even with a stadium roof that has been closed to protect the turf from the worst of persistent downpours this week. Team news — Germany had a full squad of 26 players in training Saturday morning. Coach Julian Nagelsmann has picked the same starting lineup for both games so far. Messi and Argentina overcome Canada and poor surface, start Copa America title defense with 2-0 win — Switzerland coach Murat Yakin is making changes in style and tactics. Though Kwadwo Duah scored against Hungary, he was dropped to face Scotland in favor of veteran Xherdan Shaqiri on the left side of attack — who duly delivered a standout goal. — Kylian Mbappe’s nose is not the only damaged one at Euro 2024. Switzerland defender Fabian Schär also got a bloodied and fractured nose, though he played on against Scotland and should be available. By the numbers — 5-3 to Switzerland. The two team captains at Euro 2024, Granit Xhaka and Ilkay Gundogan, both played in a strange game 12 years ago. In a warmup for Euro 2012, which Germany qualified for and Switzerland didn’t, the Swiss gave their neighbors a beating in Basel. It was a rough debut for a 20-year-old German goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, then as now the backup to Manuel Neuer. — Teams that win all three games in a Euros group have an up-and-down history. At the last edition, Italy swept through its group in Rome en route to the title. At Euro 2008 a vibrant Netherlands team romped through a tough group then lost next in the quarterfinals to Russia. Germany won all three group games in 2012 before losing in the semifinals to Italy and Mario Balotelli. What they’re saying — “It’s often been the case that the grass there isn’t so firm and that players have had problems with it.” — Germany and Stuttgart midfielder Chris Führich on the Frankfurt playing surface. — “We’re happy that we’re in the round of 16. Nevertheless, it will be about finishing first in the group.” — Germany midfielder Toni Kroos. END/AP/UNB/SIS

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal play Turkey in their second group game at the European Championship. Both countries opened Group F play with a win, with Portugal beating the Czech Republic 2-1 and Turkey defeating Georgia 3-1. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. local (1600 GMT) in Dortmund. Here’s what to know about the match: Match facts — The 39-year-old Ronaldo lost his place in the Portugal team at the World Cup in 2022 but he looks to be as guaranteed a starter as ever under Roberto Martinez, who took over as coach after the tournament in Qatar. Ronaldo is captain and played the full game against the Czechs, though didn't score. — Portugal encountered a Czech Republic team which sat back and defended in numbers in Leipzig. Turkey is unlikely to do that, given its strength in attack, so expect Ronaldo and company to have more space going forward. — Arda Guler is the one to watch for Turkey. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder from Real Madrid scored one of the goals of the tournament against Georgia — a long-range screamer into the top corner — to take Ronaldo's record as the youngest debut scorer at a European Championship. UEFA says it will improve Frankfurt field after turf cuts up in England-Denmark game at Euro 2024 — Turkey is playing a second straight game at Dortmund's Westfalenstadion. Its fans turned the stadium into a sea of red against Georgia and look sure to outnumber the Portuguese support on Saturday. — Portugal or Turkey will guarantee a first-place finish in the group with a win in Dortmund and if Georgia-Czech Republic is a draw in Hamburg earlier Saturday. Team news — Portugal's entire 26-man squad has been in training so Martinez again has some tough decisions to make, given the strength in depth of the group. Joao Palhinha is pushing for a return as the anchorman in midfield. — İrfan Can Kahveci missed the win over Georgia because of injury and has yet to return to full training with Turkey. By the numbers — Ronaldo will look to add to his record 14 goals in European Championships. That is five more than his nearest rival — Michel Platini, whose nine goals all came in the same tournament (1984). It will also be Ronaldo's record-extending 27th appearance at the Euros. Messi and Argentina overcome Canada and poor surface, start Copa America title defense with 2-0 win — Portugal won all 10 of its qualifying games for Euro 2024 and then its opening group game. The team has also beaten Turkey in each of their last six competitive matches, and in all three of their meetings at the Euros. — By starting against the Czechs, Portugal defender Pepe became — at 41 years and 113 days — the oldest player to feature in a European Championship. — By beating Georgia, Turkey ended a run of losing its opening match in each of its last five appearances at the Euros. What they’re saying “We’re expecting a completely different game. Turkey have better players (than the Czech Republic) and they will want a different kind of match." — Portugal forward Diogo Jota. "Even in bad weather, they were at the stadium for us and were so loud. With them, we feel like we are playing with 12 men.” — Turkey defender Ferdi Kadıoğlu on his team's loud and passionate fans.

After an England-Denmark game at the European Championship played on a field that cut up following days of rain, UEFA said Friday it was working on “specific issues” to improve the quality. Frankfurt has had steady rainfall this week and the Waldstadion roof was closed for 24 hours before kickoff, and during the game Thursday, to protect the field that was used all season by host club Eintracht Frankfurt. Chunks of turf were kicked up during England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark and several players slipped on the greasy grass in humid conditions on a 23-degree (73 F) day. “A detailed maintenance plan is in place to address specific issues and further improve quality ahead of the upcoming fixtures at the venue,” UEFA said in a statement. Germany plays Switzerland in the stadium Sunday in a 9 p.m. local (1900 GMT) kickoff. Frankfurt also hosts Slovakia-Romania on Wednesday and a round of 16 game on July 1 for the Group F winner, that could be Portugal. UEFA has replacement fields ready to bring in when needed. The playing surface at Switzerland’s training stadium was relaid this week after a formal complaint. England coach Gareth Southgate said he noticed the Frankfurt field break up when Belgium played there Monday and lost 1-0 to Slovakia. “I’ve been a defender, when you play on a pitch like that it puts you on edge because you are not sure of your footing,” Southgate said after Thursday’s game. UEFA said its expert field consultants “have seen the overall pitch rating improve consistently over the course of the previous season.” Persistent rain in Germany during Euro 2024 has added to issues with fields that were relaid before the competition. In Hamburg, the Poland and Netherlands could not practice on the surface before the opening game at Volksparkstadion on Sunday. Playing surfaces have been relaid during previous tournaments with turf brought from the Netherlands: During Euro 2016 at Lille, France, and Euro 2008 at Basel, Switzerland.

Lionel Messi's passing brilliance got Argentina off to a winning start in the defense of its Copa America title, overcoming Canada and a poor playing surface at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Messi's through ball led to Julián Álvarez’s 49th-minute goal and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner assisted on Lautaro Martínez's 88th-minute score in a 2-0 victory on Thursday night. “It’s been a long time since we’ve done this,” Messi said through a translator, “but we had patience to retain possession of the ball and it was hard to find the good open spaces.” Argentina is seeking its third straight major title after winning the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. Held scoreless in the first half, Argentina outshot Canada 12-3 in the second. Albiceleste coach Lionel Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez both criticized the grass surface installed at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, one of the sites for the 2026 World Cup. “The field was a disaster," Martínez said. "It seems like a springboard with the ball jumping. They need to improve this. If not, Copa America will always be at lower level than the Euro.” Grass was installed after a Major League Soccer game Saturday played on the usual artificial turf. “Thank goodness we won. Otherwise it would have been a cheap excuse,” Scaloni said. “They knew seven months ago that we will be playing here and they changed the surface a few days ago. It’s not an excuse, but this wasn’t a good field. Sincerely, the field is not apt for these players.” Canadian defender Kamal Miller also was critical. Copa America could be Messi’s final tournament with Argentina "It felt like walking on a stage, as if it was hollow,” he said. A crowd of 70,564 attended the opener of the 32-game tournament. The United States plays Panama at the stadium on June 27. With South America’s championship moved to the U.S. for the second time, Messi set a Copa America record with his 35th match, one more than Chile’s Sergio Livingstone from 1941-53. Messi extended his own record with his 18th assist. Messi, who turns 37 on Monday, created the first goal when following a throw-in, he headed a pass through the defense for Alexis Mac Allister. The midfielder side-footed a pass to Álvarez while crashing into an onrushing goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau about 8 yards out. Álvarez had a virtually empty net and kicked the ball in over a sliding defender for his eighth goal in 32 international appearances. Messi extended his Copa America record when he ran through the center of the midfield and rolled a perfectly weighted pass to Martínez, who had entered in the 76th minute and slotted it past Crépeau for his 25th international goal. “In the first half we did well defensively and we had a couple of chances but at this level you have to finish your chances," new Canada captain Alphonso Davies said. "If you make mistakes they punish you, and that’s what they did today.” Messi failed to convert on a pair of excellent chances. Crépeau made a diving stop in the 65th minute and Messi’s attempt off the rebound was blocked by the head of defender Derek Cornelius. Messi put a chip wide after he came in alone on Crépeau in the 79th. He was shaken up by a sliding tackle from defender Moïse Bombito in the 82nd minute, but remained in the game. Besides Messi, there is Vinicius Júnior, Valverde, Garnacho and Pulisic to watch at Copa America “It was physically intense,” Messi said. Argentina plays Chile on Tuesday at East Rutherford, New Jersey, then closes the first round against Peru on June 29 at Miami Gardens, Florida. Canada faces Peru on Tuesday at Kansas City, Kansas, and finishes the group stage against Chile on June 29 at Orlando, Florida. Fourteen U.S. stadiums are hosting the tournament, which runs through July 14 and ends at Miami Gardens, Florida. Six nations from North and Central America and the Caribbean were added to the 10 South American teams, just as in the centennial Copa America in 2016. Slow starts did not prevent the Albiceleste from winning their previous two tournaments. Argentina opened the 2022 World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia and began the 2021 Copa America with a 1-1 draw against Chile. Canada made its Copa America debut and played its first competitive match under American coach Jesse Marsch, hired on May 13. The Canadians have not scored in three games under Marsch. “Before we played these three matches, I said to the team that no matter what happens in the three matches, we have to come out of it stronger and develop ourselves and be more confident and have more belief," Marsch said. “I think where we sit right now, as painful as it is to know that we let this game slip away.” Argentina started eight players who began the 2022 World Cup final victory over France, inserting central defender Lisandro Martínez, left back Marcos Acuña and Leandro Paredes for Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico and Enzo Fernández. Furor over Messi no-show in Hong Kong game deepens with Argentina's tour of China canceled Emiliano Martínez was tested in the 43rd minute, when he used his left hand to bat away a bounced header by Stephen Eustáquio. After the final whistle, Davis exchanged jerseys with Messi. “Being on the pitch, playing against him was truly a blessing,” Davies said.

It's sad but true, Copa America could mark Lionel Messi's final chapter with Argentina's national soccer team. The World Cup winner will turn 37 during the tournament in the United States, which kicks off Thursday. He's clearly past his peak at Inter Miami after two decades of playing at the highest level in Europe. Besides Messi, there is Vinicius Júnior, Valverde, Garnacho and Pulisic to watch at Copa America Messi has not set a date for his retirement and has kept the door open to playing in a sixth World Cup in 2026 to defend his title from Qatar. But he already recognizes his shortcomings. “I don’t think about that yet. The moment I feel that I am not going to help my team, I will retire,” Messi said in March in an interview with Saudi broadcaster Riyad Season. “I always ate well, trained. But as I grew I became aware that the physical effort we make is getting harder. As you grow old, things become more difficult.” Messi napkin that sealed Barcelona move sells for $965,000 at auction Last year, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner struggled with muscular injuries while playing in MLS and for Argentina. That didn't change much in 2024. Messi has shown he enjoys going out at night with his wife, Antonella, and his friends in Miami. He spends time with his three children, starts new businesses and lives as if soccer is slowly becoming a smaller part of his life. Still, he has 12 goals and 13 assists for Inter Miami this season. Furor over Messi no-show in Hong Kong game deepens with Argentina's tour of China canceled “I have a good time at the club. I am lucky to have teammates and friends (Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, all former Barcelona players) by my side,” Messi told ESPN. ”I have a good time in the national team, where I have teammates and friends, too. And I enjoy the little details that I know that when I don’t play anymore, I’m going to miss.” Ángel di Maria, a 36-year-old winger who has played alongside Messi for years with the national team, is sure to bid farewell to international soccer after the Copa America. That has also brought more questions about whether the team's biggest star will remain on the squad. “As long as I feel like I’m fine and I can continue contributing, I’m going to do it. Today, the only thing I think about is getting to the Copa America well and being able to compete in it,” Messi told the Star Plus platform in December. “Fighting for it again, as we always did, trying to be champions.” Argentina’s all-time top scorer and the national team's leader with 26 World Cup appearances is also seeking records in the continental competition. Messi, who won the South American championship in 2021, wants to become the Copa America's leading scorer. He has 13 goals in six editions, four behind Norberto Méndez of Argentina and Zizinho of Brazil with 17. He also wants to be the player with most appearances in the Copa America, a record he currently shares with former Chile goalkeeper Sergio Livingston, both with 34 games. Messi's teammates don't want to see him go. “We’ll see how long, but while he’s here we’re going to enjoy it to the fullest,” Argentina defender Cristian Romero said. “We grew up watching him. We are part of those tournaments."

Former champions France and the Netherlands clash in their second match at the European Championship. France won seven of the teams’ last eight meetings including home and away victories in qualifying. This buildup has been overshadowed by speculation about whether France star Kylian Mbappé can play after breaking his nose in the opening win over Austria. Kickoff is at 9 p.m. local (1900 GMT) on Friday. Here’s what to know about the match: Match facts — Mbappé broke his nose when his face collided with Austria defender Kevin Danso’s shoulder on Monday. Blood stained his white France jersey. If he plays on Friday, he’ll need to wear a mask. But it remains uncertain. Mbappé returned to light training on Wednesday. — If he does play, the France captain will hope to finally score at a European Championship at the sixth attempt. Mbappé has 47 goals in 80 games for France, including 12 in qualifying for the Euros, but he’s yet to score in five games at the tournament. — France and the Netherlands are level on three points in Group D. The Dutch came from behind to beat Poland 2-1 and France needed an own goal to beat Austria 1-0. — France defeated the Netherlands 4-0 at home and 2-1 away in qualifying. The Dutch were group runners-up. — Dutch forward Xavi Simons will be back in Leipzig, where he played last season on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The 21-year-old Xavi scored eight goals in 32 Bundesliga appearances to help Leipzig finish fourth. The German club hopes he’ll be back next season. He has already played 15 games for the Netherlands. — The Netherlands won Euro ’88 with current coach Ronald Koeman in the team alongside the brilliant trio of Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard, who played together for AC Milan. — The Dutch won their three group games in the last edition, then lost to the Czech Republic in the round of 16. — France won Euro ’84 as host, then – with Didier Deschamps as captain – Euro 2000 after he captained the team to the World Cup title as host in 1998. Deschamps took over as France coach in 2012 and led France to another World Cup title in 2018. — Other group memberrs Austria and Poland play earlier Friday in Berlin. Team news — France’s biggest question mark is Mbappé. Deschamps was due to give an injury update on Thursday. — Netherlands midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners were ruled out with injuries before the tournament. By the numbers — Altogether, France has won 15 of the teams’ 30 previous meetings, with the Dutch winning 11. The Dutch have scored more goals in those games; 57 to 53. — In the last four major tournaments — World Cups and European Championships — France has reached the final in three. The exception was at the pandemic-delayed Euros in 2021, where Deschamps’ team went out to Switzerland on penalties at the first knockout stage after squandering a two-goal lead with nine minutes remaining. — France defeated Gibraltar 14-0 for a new European Championship qualifying record and the country’s biggest win. What they’re saying “All the people walking the streets in orange, and of course, here in the stadium, fantastic, beautiful. I’ve always dreamed of this and so far, it definitely hasn’t disappointed.” — Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. “Our last meetings against the Netherlands go back a bit, but I remember our solidity, our ability to make the differences in attack. We knew how to be efficient, and we’ll need to do that again on Friday. Above all, we’ll have to have the same intensity as we did against Austria. It’s an essential ingredient to go as far as possible in this competition.” — France midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

The world soccer players' union filed a legal claim against FIFA for expanding the Club World Cup, FIFPRO said on Thursday. The 32-team event, up from seven teams, is slated for June-July 2025 in the United States. It is traditionally staged in December. FIFPRO is concerned about the physical and mental demands on players. It said unions in England and France filed a claim at the Brussels Court of Commerce, which also challenged FIFA’s “decisions to unilaterally set the international match calendar,” determining the schedule for international games and competitions. FIFPRO said unions believe decisions like the expanded Club World Cup “violate the rights of players and their unions.” The Brussels court is being asked to refer the case to the European Court of Justice. “Players and their unions have consistently highlighted the current football calendar as overloaded and unworkable,” FIFPRO Europe said in a statement. FIFA revealed details of its expanded Club World Cup in December. FIFPRO quickly opposed the plans, which it said showed a "lack of consideration for the mental and physical health of participating players, as well as a disregard for their personal and family lives.” FIFA said the timing of the month-long tournament, during the offseason for many major leagues around the world, would ensure sufficient rest for players. That assertion is disputed. “Once preparation periods and travel are included, the tournament is likely to create up to six weeks of additional work to be added to an already crowded schedule,” it said. “The role of FIFPRO Europe and its members is not to favor or oppose one competition over another. However, in the wider context of the global football calendar, the new FIFA Club World Cup is seen by players and unions as representing a tipping point.” FIFA says the international match calendar is published after consultation with the relevant stakeholders. Staging the Club World Cup in 2025 means top players face three straight years of major competitions during the usual offseason, given the European Championship and Copa America are being staged this year and the next World Cup is in 2026. “Since all attempts at dialogue have failed, it is now up to us to ensure that the fundamental rights of players are fully respected by taking the matter to the European courts and thus to the ECJ," FIFPRO Europe president David Terrier said. "It’s not a question of stigmatising a particular competition, but of denouncing both the underlying problem and the straw that broke the camel’s back.” Despite the opposition of FIFPRO, the European Clubs Association has said the Club World Cup was “fantastic news for club football in general.” The Associated Press contact FIFA for comment.

Lionel Messi is undoubtedly the face of this year's Copa America. But there are other players to watch when the South American soccer championship starts this month in the United States with 16 teams from the Western Hemisphere competing.  

A brilliant hattrick by  captain Hassan Maatouk guided Lebanon to crush Bangladesh by 4-0 goals in the last Group 1 match of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Football' 2026 at the FIFA World Cup venue -- Khalifa International Stadium--Ar Rayyan in Doha, Qatar Tuesday evening. With the day's embarrassing defeat, Bangladesh not only  completed their six home and away basis group matches winless, but also finished at bottom in the four- nation fray securing only one point, after playing 1-1 with Lebanon in home match in Dhaka last November. In the day's match, the war-torn Arabian nation Lebanon comfortably dominated the first half 2-0 goals with frustration of touring Bangladesh.  Captain Hassan Maatouk made a hattruck scored three goals in the 5th, 49th and 60th minutes. Maatouk put Lebanon ahead in the very 5th minute from a penalty (1-0).  Lebanon got the spot kick when Bangladesh defender Shakil Hossain fouled the opponent booter in the danger zone and Hassan Maatouk made no mistake to convert a penalty. Midfielder Nader Mattar doubled margin in the added time of the first half (45+2 minute) by a placing shot from goalmouth melee (2-0). Midfielder Hassan Maatouk scored his 2nd and 3rd goal for Lebanon in the 49th minute (3-0). He completed a hattrick in the 60th minute silencing few Bangladeshi fans at the stadium (4-0). Bangladesh, which displayed a respectable performance against six time World Cup playing Australia in their home match in Dhaka last Thursday to concede a narrow 0-2 goals defeat, failed to perform their usual show and were outplayed in every departments to suffer huge a defeat   Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan, who loud his voice and said, "Our target is to earn three points (from Lebanon),  and we believed that we will be able to get three points" and Bangladesh coach's high hope of beating Lebanon, atleast to earn one point from the match, finally went in drain. In the day's other match, Australia outplayed Palestine by 5-0 goals in their home match in Perth on Tuesday (June 11). Mighty Australia, emerged  Group 1 champions with all win record to reach the next round of the tournament securing full 18 points from six matches  The war-torn Palestine finished distant 2nd collecting eight points from six matches with two wins two draw and two defeats. Lebanon finished 3rd securing six points from six matches with one win, three draws and two defeats while Bangladesh remained at the bottom with one point from six matches after making 1-1 draw with Lebanon in their home match in Dhaka.  Earlier, Bangladesh suffered  0-7 goals defeat against World Cup playing Australia in their away match, drew 1-1 with Arabian nation Lebanon in the home match, suffered 0-5 defeat against Palestine in their away match in Kuwait and conceded a shocking 0-1 goal defeat in the dying moments against Palestine in their home match in Dhaka.

Bangladesh National Football team will play war-torn Arabian nation Lebanon in their last Group I away match of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Football on Tuesday (June 11) in Qatar for a win. Bangladesh, which reached Qatar capital Doha last  Friday, will play their last Group I match on Tuesday at a neutral venue -- Khalifa International Stadium, Ar Rayyan in Doha, Qatar, that will kick-off at 7: pm local time and 10: pm Bangladesh time. The match recently shifted to FIFA World Cup venue 45,857 seating capacity Khalifa International Stadium, Ar Rayyan in Doha from previously announced venue Al Saad Club Stadium of Doha. The first leg match between hosts Bangladesh and touring Lebanon ended in a 1-1 draw in Dhaka last November.  In the last two days (Saturday and Sunday), Bangladesh team made their practices at the Qatar University TS4 East Training ground from 6 pm local time and 9: pm Bangladesh time. Bangladesh team scheduled to attend a pre- match conference Monday (June 10) evening at 6:30 pm local time and 9:30 Bangladesh time at the Khalifa International Stadium. After the press conference, Bangladesh team due to make their final practice session Monday evening  at the match venue  Khalifa International Stadium. Ahead of the Tuesday's match, Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan praised the local facilities and said, "Our target is to earn three points (from Lebanon),  we will try our best to display a good performance, and we believed that we will be able to get three points" Earlier, Assistant Coach of Bangladesh team and former national defender Hasan Al  Mamun said,  "We played a good match against stronger Australia, our  defense line also developed, it will be a very competitive match (on Tuesday) for both the sides,  our first target is to beat Lebanon, atleast we want to earn one point from the match after making a draw".  Earlier, Muktijoddha Sangsad KC, under the banner of Bangladesh team played two matches at the Khalifa International Stadium in the Independence Cup Football Tournament of Qatar in 1994. Bangladesh beat Yemen by 1-0 goal after conceding 2-4 goals defeat against India in this invitational foootball tourney. In their home match in Dhaka last Thursday, hosts Bangladesh displayed a respectable performance against six time World Cup playing Australia and conceded a narrow 0-2 goals defeat after showing a fighting spirit  till the last whistle. Mighty Australia, which already emerged  Group 1 champions with one match to spare to reach the next round of the tournament securing full 15 points from five matches, and will play Palestine in their last match also on June 11 in Perth.  The war-torn Palestine are in the distant 2nd collecting eight points from five matches with two wins, two draw and one defeat. Lebanon is in the 3rd slot securing three points from five matches three draws and two defeats while Bangladesh remained at the bottom with one point from five matches after making 1-1 draw with Lebanon in their home match in Dhaka.  Earlier, Bangladesh suffered  0-7 goals defeat against World Cup playing Australia in their away match, drew 1-1 with Arabian nation Lebanon in the home match, suffered 0-5 defeat against Palestine in their away match in Kuwait and conceded a shocking 0-1 goal defeat in the dying moments against Palestine in their home match in Dhaka.