United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has announced a 16-member partial national football team to play two FIFA International Friendlies against the Maldives, dropping captain Jamal Bhuyan.  The Head Coach of Bangladesh National Football Team, Javier Cabrera, announced the squad on Wednesday to play FIFA International Friendlies in the next FIFA window in November. Hosts Bangladesh will face the touring Maldives national side on November 13 and 16 at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka. Bangladesh's training camp will start on November 1.  The full national squad, including the bootets of the BPL champion Bashundhara Kings, now in Bhutan to play in the AFC Challenge League, will be announced in the early next month, soon after the return of the Kings from Bhutan. Member of Bangladesh team (partial) Goal Keeper: Mitul Marma, Sujon Hossain Defender-Murad Hasan, Mehedi Hasan, Shakil Ahad Topu, Rahmat Mia, Shakil Hossain, Isa Faysal, and Taj Uddin. Midfielders: Mohammad Hridoy, Syed Shah Quazem Kirmanee, Papon Singh, and Didarul AlamForward: Shahriar Emon, Arman Foysal Akash, and Mirajul Islam.

Jürgen Klopp has defended his decision to head up Red Bull's group of soccer clubs, saying he “didn't want to step on anybody's toes” after his decision prompted a backlash from fans of his former teams in Germany. Klopp is taking over as the drinks company's head of global soccer from January in what was widely seen as a surprise move. It will be his first job after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season. “I didn't want to step on anybody's toes, definitely not, and personally I love all of my ex-clubs,” Klopp said in an interview released Wednesday on a podcast hosted by former Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos. Klopp suggested any decision he made to coach another club would also have disappointed some fans. “I really don't know what exactly I could have done for everyone to be happy," he said. Red Bull, and especially its Leipzig team, are widely resented by many German soccer fans, who see the drinks company as an unwelcome corporate presence trying to buy success. Fans at Klopp's former clubs like Borussia Dortmund have criticized the move, and Mainz fans held up banners this month expressing their disappointment and questioning whether he was “crazy.” Klopp spent 18 years at Mainz as a player and coach before joining Dortmund in 2008, where he went on to lead the club to two Bundesliga titles and the Champions League final. Klopp said he had never viewed Red Bull's involvement in soccer “so critically,” and suggested it played an important role in bringing high-level club soccer back to the former East Germany with the Leipzig project. Klopp previously said he planned to take a “long break” from soccer after leaving Liverpool, where he coached his last game in May after nine years with the club. “I'm 57 so I can still work for a couple more years but I don't really see myself on the sideline (as a coach) for the time being,” he said. “But it was always clear that I wasn't going to do nothing at all. And then this story with Red Bull came into the picture, and for me it's outstanding.” Klopp said he saw his Red Bull role primarily as an “adviser” working together with coaches at the clubs backed by the drinks giant. “I always had the feeling that the coach is very, very often the loneliest person at the club,” he said.

Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) champions Bashundhara Kings suffered 2nd consecutive defeat in the AFC Challenge League 2024-25) losing to Kolkata East Bengal Club by O-4 goals in chilly weather at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, Tuesday night. Bangladesh champions Kings started the Group A campaign losing to Nejmeh FC of Lebanon by 0-1 goals while Kolkata East Bengal Club played 2-2 draw with Paro FC of Bhutan in their first match. In the day's match, Dimitrios Diamantakos put East Bengal ahead in the very first minute off a Lalchungnunga cross (1-0) while Sauvik doubled the lead in the 20th minute (2-0). Nandha scored the 3rd goal in the 26th minute (3-0) while Anwar Ali sealed the fate of the match scoring the 4th goal in the 33rd minute (4-0). In the remaining group match, Bashundhara Kings will play Paro FC of Bhutan on November 1. Bashundhara Kings: Anisur Rahman; Isaiah Ejeh, Topu Barman, Jasur Jumaev, Tariq Kazi; Kpehi Broussou Vajer Gryshyn, Miguel Ferreira; Foysal Fahim, Fernandes and Mojibur Jony.

Defending champions Bangladesh will play hosts Nepal in the final match of the seven-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women's Championship' 2024 on Wednesday in a hope to retain the regional title. The match will kick-off at 6:45 pm (Bangladesh time) at the Dashrath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu. Bangladesh clinched the first -ever SAFF Women' s football crown in 2022 in Kathmandu also beating Himalayan nation Nepal by 3-1 goal in the final. Ahead of the Wednesday's final, Bangladesh women's team made recovery session with gym exercises and swimming at the hotel on Tuesday morning to ensure fitness for the upcoming final. Bangladesh National Women’s Football Team also attended a pre-final official press conference at the match venue on Tuesday. Following the press conference, the Bangladesh team made final training session from 3 pm to 4: pm at the Army Headquarters ground in Kathmandu. The day's final training session focused on refining tactical part of the game, enhancing coordination and ensuring all players are in top form for the title deciding match. To encourage the Bangladesh women's team, newly elected Executive Committee Members of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF)--—Iqbal Hossain, Golam Gaus, Tipu Sultan, and Kamrul Hasan Hilton—already reached Kathmandu. Addressing the media on Tuesday, Bangladesh defender Afeida Khandaker said, " Last time we clinched the title, this time we will give our all efforts to retain the title playing a good footbal.” Replying to a question, Afeida said, " We have no extra pressure over home crowd, we will consider Nepalese fans as our supporters". Earlier, a brilliant hattrick by Tohura Khatun guided holders Bangladesh to the final of the (SAFF) Women's Championship' 2024 with unbeaten record crushing Bhutan by 7-1 goals in the first semifinal last Sunday. With the feat, Bangladesh women's team not only maintained their unbeaten record against Bhutan, but also earned 2nd massive victory in two consecutive matches in the SAFF women's meet after crushing them by 8-0 goals in the last SAFF Women's Championship in 2022,also in Kathmandu Earlier, Bangladesh smartly booked a seat for the semifinal as the Group A champions with unbeaten run shocking five times champions India by 3-1 goal after staying in the semifinal race playing 1-1 draw with Pakistan by a Shamsunnahar Jr's equalizing goal in the added time (90+1 minute) Nepal reached the final for the 2nd successive time eliminating five times Champions India by 4-2 goals in tie breaker as the 2nd semifinal match between them ended in 1-1 goals.

Spanish midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí won the men's and women's Ballon d'Or award on Monday as the world's best soccer players, while Real Madrid snubbed the star-studded ceremony in Paris in apparent protest. The 28-year-old Rodri won the prestigious award for the first time after helping Manchester City win the Premier League and being a key player in Spain’s European Championship triumph. He succeeded eight-time winner Lionel Messi of Argentina and beat Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior into second place, a result which greatly displeased the Spanish club. Madrid and its players stayed away from the ceremony, then vented their feelings on social media. Rodri showed his emotion when his name was read out by former winner George Weah, putting his hands over his face. “Incredible night for me,” said Rodri, who is out for the season after injuring his ACL last month and arrived on crutches to the ceremony. “One of my key things is I always try to improve every game.” Known as a hard-working and unselfish player despite his abilities, Rodri was quick to deflect praise onto others. “I just want to say thank you again to the people who recognize my value in the game," he said. “When I was a kid I never thought of winning the Ballon d’Or, but in the last years I’ve been playing the highest level.” The 26-year-old Bonmatí retained her award after helping Barcelona win the Spanish league, the Spanish cup and the Champions League. Bonmatí joined Barca teammate Alexia Putellas in winning two titles since the women’s trophy was first awarded in 2018. She beat her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen of Norway and Salma Paralluelo of Spain as Barcelona completed a 1-2-3. “It’s a pleasure to be here again,” said Bonmatí, who received the award from Oscar winner Natalie Portman. “Thanks to my teammates and the clubs who make me a better football player every year.” Even though attacking midfielder Jude Bellingham was third and Dani Carvajal finished fourth in the voting, and coach Carlo Ancelotti won the coach of the year award, no one from Madrid attended the gala in central Paris. Ancelotti posted a message on X instead as did Vinícius, who was considered by many to be the favorite for the award, even though Rodri also had an outstanding season. “I’ll do it 10x if needed,” Vinicius wrote in Portuguese. “They are not ready.” Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga made it clear what he thought of the vote, calling it “football politics.” “My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise,” the France international wrote on X along with a photo of him and Vinicius celebrating together. “Love you my bro.” Former Madrid star Karim Benzema, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2022, posted a supportive message in French on Instagram, along with the words “Trop Fort” ("Too Strong"). Neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo — winners of the prestigious individual award a combined 13 times — were in the running for this year’s prize — the first time that's happened since 2003. While Rodri is not a flamboyant player or a prolific scorer like Messi and Ronaldo, he had a huge influence on City’s team with his ability to protect the defense and distribute passes cleanly from the back. “I try to be a leader and try to improve every day from the best,” Rodri said. City looked unbeatable at times with him in the side, while his excellent technical ability enabled him to slot smoothly into the quick-passing style made so effective by Spain at Euro 2024. He is the first City player to win the award. “He is a player completely without ego, whose performance level over a very long period of time has been exceptional,” City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain said. “The consistency he has shown is the result of hard work and dedication." Bonmatí scored 19 goals for the second straight season for Barca and this year has netted five in five games for Spain, taking her international tally to 26. The Ballon d’Or was created by France Football magazine and has been awarded since 1956 for the men, and since 2018 for the women. It is voted for by journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings. Each journalist, one per country, selects 10 players in ranked order, with points attributed to each position. The winner is the player who receives the most points. Unlike FIFA’s awards for the best players each year, fans aren’t part of the voting system. Yamal’s trophy and other awards On a good night for Spain and Barca players, teen prodigy Lamine Yamal — the youngest-ever scorer at a European Championship — won the Kopa award for best Under-21 player and Barca won the best women’s team award. Absent Real Madrid was voted the best men’s team. Former PSG forward Kylian Mbappé and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane shared the Gerd Mueller award for most club and country goals last season with 52. Mbappé joined Madrid during the offseason. Argentina’s penalty-saving specialist Emiliano Martínez retained the Lev Yashin award for best goalkeeper. Ancelotti and Olympic-winning coach Emma Hayes won the Johan Cruyff award for best men’s and women’s coach. Spain forward Jenni Hermoso, who has fought sexism in Spanish soccer after she was kissed on the lips at last year’s Women’s World Cup final by former federation president Luis Rubiales, collected the Socrates award for humanitarian work. A special award was given by France Football to the wife and son of late Germany great Franz Beckenbauer.

England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith will miss the team's test tour of the New Zealand over November and December because he will be on paternity leave for the birth of his first child. Jordan Cox will take the gloves for the tour and looks set to win his first test cap during the three-match series. Batting allrounder Jacob Bethell, 21, was called up to a test squad for the first time, having made his international debut in the summer in T20 and ODI matches against Australia. The 16-man squad will be captained by Ben Stokes and play tests in Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton. The first test in Christchurch starts Nov. 28. England is coming off a 2-1 series loss in Pakistan. ___ Squad: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

Facundo Torres scored in the first half, Martin Ojeda found the net in the second, and Pedro Gallese notched his fourth postseason clean sheet to lead Orlando City to a 2-0 victory over Charlotte FC on Sunday night in a best-of-three first-round match for the MLS Cup. Orlando City, the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute and carried it into halftime when the club's all-time leading scorer Torres scored unassisted with a left-footed shot from the center of the box to the top left corner of the goal. It was his club-record 19th goal this season across all competitions. Orlando City took a two-goal lead in the 76th minute when Martin Ojeda scored with assists from Iván Angulo and César Araújo. It was the first postseason goal for Ojeda in his first start and third appearance. Angulo's helper was his first in five playoff appearances — all starts. Araújo's assist was his second in five postseason starts. Gallese finished with two saves for Orlando City. He has allowed eight goals in seven postseason starts — all with OC. Kristijan Kahlina saved five shots for fifth-seeded Charlotte. Kahlina's only postseason appearance came last season when he started in a 5-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls. A club-record 14 players scored for OC, leading to a club-record 59 goals during the regular season. Orlando City played Charlotte to a 2-2 draw on the road and a 2-0 victory at home during the regular season. Torres and Duncan McGuire had the OC goals in both matches. The series resumes on Friday in Charlotte, which had never been past the wildcard round until this season. The club closed out the regular season with a 4-0-1 record in its last five matches with the draw coming against top-seed Inter Miami.

Bangladesh completed their Group B engagements of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup' 2025 Qualifiers losing to Afghanistan by 2-3 goals in their last group match at the Price Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Sunday. With the day's defeat, Bangladesh was eliminated from the meet securing six points from four matches while Afghanistan poised for the final round securing full nine points from straight three matches. Bangladesh, which crushed Macau by 7-0 goals, beat the Philippines by 1-0 goal after conceding 0-1 defeat against hosts Cambodia, today (Sunday) dominated the first half by 2-1 goals. In the day's must win match, midfielder Mithu Chowdhury put Bangladesh ahead in the 6th minute (1-0) while Yaser Safi leveled the match in the 29th minute by long distance shot (1-1). Forward Murshed Ali again put Bangladesh ahead in the added time of the first half utilizing a corner of  captain Nazmul Huda Faysal (2-1) to go for the first half. Substitute booter Milad Noori and Arash Ahmadi scored two more  goals for Afghanistan in the 63rd  and 70th minutes respectively to win the match with the frustration of Bangladesh. Ten Asian Group champions and the five best group runners-up teams will qualify for the next year's final round of the meet.

Defending champions Bangladesh secured a place in the final of the 2024 SAFF Women's Championship with a commanding 7-1 victory over Bhutan in the first semifinal at Dashrath Rangasala Stadium in Nepal’s Kathmandu on Sunday. Forward Tohura Khatun stole the show with a spectacular hat-trick, leading her team to victory and keeping their unbeaten record intact in this year's tournament. Bangladesh, who also defeated Bhutan 8-0 in the last SAFF Women’s Championship in 2022, once again proved their dominance. The team now advances to the final on October 30, where they will face either five-time champions India or host Nepal, who compete in the second semifinal later today at the same venue. Bangladesh to play Bhutan, Nepal face India in SAFF semis Sunday In a game that saw Bangladesh dominate from start to finish, Tohura Khatun opened her scoring spree early and found the net three times. Captain Sabina Khatun also shone, adding two goals, while Ritu Porna Chakma and Masura Parvin contributed one goal each, giving Bangladesh a 5-1 lead by halftime. Ritu Porna Chakma opened the scoring for Bangladesh in the 7th minute with a skillful shot from outside the box, making it 1-0. Just eight minutes later, Tohura doubled the lead with a powerful long-distance strike (2-0). Captain Sabina Khatun extended the advantage in the 26th minute, tapping in a pass from Monika Chakma to make it 3-0. Tohura continued her stunning performance with a second goal in the 35th minute, maneuvering past a Bhutanese defender before unleashing a shot from the edge of the box (4-0). Sabina followed up with her second goal just two minutes later, placing the ball past the Bhutanese goalkeeper with ease (5-0). Bhutan managed a consolation goal in the 42nd minute, with forward Daki Lhazom scoring to make it 5-1 as the teams went into halftime. Tohura completed her hat-trick in the 58th minute, skillfully placing a shot from inside the box to bring the score to 6-1. With this performance, Tohura emerged as the tournament's third-highest scorer, with five goals, and was named Player of the Match. She dedicated her trophy to her former coach, Golam Rabbani Choton, saying, “This win and the hat-trick are both for him.” Defender Masura Parvin sealed the emphatic victory in the 72nd minute with a well-placed header from a corner kick, bringing the final score to 7-1. Bangladesh’s path to the final has been marked by impressive performances, including a 3-1 victory over five-time champions India in the group stage and a dramatic 1-1 draw with Pakistan, secured by Shamsunnahar Jr.’s last-minute equalizer. Bhutan’s semifinal journey included a dominant 13-0 win over the Maldives and a 4-1 victory against Sri Lanka, following a scoreless draw with Nepal in group play.    

Herve Renard was hired to coach Saudi Arabia for a second time on Saturday, two days after the departure of Roberto Mancini. “I'm back,” Renard said in a social media video posted by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation. The Frenchman most recently coached France women to the Paris Olympics quarterfinals. He was previously in charge of Saudi Arabia from 2019-23, a tenure that included a famous 2-1 win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. “I did not intend to leave (Saudi). But when your country knocks on your door you have to respond,” Renard said. “My connection with Saudi, the fans, the players and all the memories — I can never forget. I did not finish my story with Saudi.” Renard’s contract will run until the end of 2025 with an option to extend until the 2027 Asian Cup, which will be hosted in Saudi Arabia for the first time. Mancini was hired by Saudi Arabia in August 2023 having led Italy to victory at the 2021 European Championship. But the serial trophy winner was quickly under pressure after an underwhelming Asian Cup in January and an exit in the round of 16. In Asia’s third round of World Cup qualifying that started in September, Saudi Arabia has collected just five points from four games. This month at home it lost to Japan 2-0 and drew with Bahrain 0-0. It left Saudi third place in the six-team group. The top two qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup while the third- and fourth-placed finishers progress to the fourth stage. Renard’s first game back in charge is against Australia in Melbourne on Nov. 14.