United News of Bangladesh

The European football season 2020-2021 has come to a close. Several star footballers emerged across Europe last season. Also, the majority of the world's finest footballers contributed to their teams' success. Usually, the top performers of the champion teams are picked for the best player awards and the expected players won trophies in the European football season 2020-2021.  Award-winning footballers of 2020-2021 European season Let's take a look at the award-winning footballers from the top five European leagues – the English Premier League, Italian Serie A, Bundesliga, and French League. English Premier League award winners We saw a superb contest between Premier League clubs until the middle of the season. However, Manchester City turned their fortunes around with a 15-game winning streak and eventually won the Premier League for the fifth time and the third time in the past four seasons. Belgian midfielder Kevin de Bruyne was Man City's most important player last season. He scored 10 goals in 40 appearances for the Citizens and earned his second consecutive PFA Player of the Year award. Before that, only Arsenal's Thierry Henry and Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo won two players of the year awards in a row. Meanwhile, Manchester City's defender Ruben Dias earned the Premier League Player of the season 2020-2021 award. Read BCL Football: Fakirerpool thump Wari 4-1 Premier League award winners Player of the Season: Ruben Dias (Manchester City) Young Player of the Season: Phil Foden (Manchester City) Goal of the Season: Erik Lamela (Tottenham) Manager of the Season: Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) Italian Serie A award winners Inter Milan won the Serie A title for the first time in 11 years while Juventas failed to win it for the first time in ten years. Belgian striker RomeluLukaku was the most important player for Inter Milan. He scored 24 goals for the Nerazzurri to help them win the league for the 19th time. Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma also won awards. Read What can Bangladesh Achieve in remaining World Cup 2022 Qualifiers? Italian Serie A award winners Most Valuable Player: Belgium RomeluLukaku (Internazionale) Best Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus) Best Midfielder: NicolòBarella (Internazionale)        Best Defender: Cristian Romero (Atalanta)   Best Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Milan)    Best Young Player: DušanVlahovic (Fiorentina) Winners in Bundesliga Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski received the player of the season award, breaking Gerd Muller's record of most goals in a season. The Polish striker scored 42 goals in only 29 games for the Bavarians, helping them win the German Bundesliga for the 31st time. Lewandowski won the award for the fifth and second seasons in a row. Dortmund's English midfielder Jude Bellingham was named the Silver Arrow award winner for the best young player. Read Ballon d'Or 2021: Who Will Win the Prestigious Award?             Ligue 1 award winners Paris Saint-Germain striker KylianMbappé has won the Ligue 1 player of the year award for the second year in a row despite failing to win a major trophy last season. Lillie won the French league title in 2020-2021. However, only two Lillie players made the cut in the team of the season. PSG's KylianMbappé had a fantastic season, scoring 42 goals in 47 games. Meanwhile, Mbappé's teammate Keylor Navas was named the best goalkeeper of the year following another outstanding season with the club. Bottom Line Some new players emerged in addition to the well-known ones at the end of the European football season 2020-2021. The Messi-Ronaldo era is coming to an end. So, stars like KylianMbappé andErlingHaalandwill have to fill the void. Also, the major teams were not very active on the transfer market last year because of Covid-19. So, the big teams did not perform the way they had hoped to and they are likely to be more active in the transfer market this year to make the 2021-2022 season more competitive. Read FIFA, AFC Qualifiers: Indian captain Sunil Chhetri strike twice to beat Bangladesh 2-0

Indian captain Sunil Chhetri scored twice to beat Bangladesh 2-0 after about 12 years in a crucial FIFA World Cup and AFC qualifying match at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Monday. With the day's well deserved victory, India  advanced to the 3rd slot in the five-team group E for the first time toppling Afghanistan.  Securing six points from seven matches, India brightened their chance to qualify for the next round of the AFC Asian Cup 2023. The match was goalless until the 78th minute. But Indian captain cum celebrated footballer Sunil Chhetri came to his team’s rescue sending the ball twice to the post in a span of only 12 minutes, leaving Bangladeshi fans stunned. Also read: FIFA, AFC Qualifiers: Shohel Rana to miss remaining matches due to injury Sunil put India ahead in the 79th minute by an eye- catching header from goal mouth melee (1-0). He sealed the Indian victory scoring his 2nd goal (2-0) by a straight shot from danger zone in the stoppage time (90+2 minute).  India deserved the victory dominating Bangladesh for most of the proceedings. After the match, Bangladesh remained at the bottom of the five-team Group E, securing two points from seven matches. Qatar is now leading the points table, securing 19 points from seven matches while Oman have secured 12 and Afghanistan five points. Bangladesh played out a 1-1 draw against host India in their first-round group match in Kolkata 2019. In their previous group match in Doha Thursday, Bangladesh drew 1-1 with Afghanistan while India conceded a 0-1 defeat against host Qatar. In the day's match, Bangladesh made one change in their previous line up (played against Afghanistan) including Manik Hossain Mollah in place of injury-hit midfielder Sohel Rana. Dependable defender Riyadul Hasan saved Bangladesh from a sure goal foiling an Indian attack from goal line in the 35th minute. Bangladesh custodian Anisur Rahman Zico made at least four brilliant saves in the match. Four Bangladeshi players--Rakib Hossain,Rahmat Miya Biplo Ahmed and Jamal Bhuyan were cautioned with yellow cards. Also read: FIFA, AFC Qualifiers: Bangladesh play 1-1 draw with Afghanistan Bangladesh team in day's match: Anisur Rahman Zico, Rahmat Miya, Topu Barman, Riyadul Hasan, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Jamal Bhuyan (C),  Masuk Miya Zoni (Md Ibrahim), Manik Hossain Mollah,  Biplu Ahmed, Matin Miah (Sumon Reza) and Rakib Hossain (Mehdi Hasan).

Fakirerpool Youngmen's Club earned a 4-1 victory over Wari Club in the 12-team Bangladesh Championship League (BCL) Football 2020-21 Monday. They dominated the first half 3-0 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium. Kankar struck in the 17th and 56th minutes, while Raihan and Shariful scored two more goals for Fakirerpool in the 19th and 26th minutes. Ali Akbar netted the consolation goal for Wari in the 81st minute from a penalty. The day's other match between Dhaka City FC and Uttara Football Club ended in a goalless draw at the Kamalapur Stadium in the afternoon.

Bangladesh will face India in a crucial Group E 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup joint qualifier at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Qatar's Doha Monday. The match will kick off at 8pm Bangladesh time; GTV and T-Sports will telecast it live. In their last Group E match, Bangladesh will play against stronger Oman on June 15 at 11pm at the same venue. Earlier, Bangladesh played out a 1-1 draw against host India in their first-round group match in Kolkata. India won 15 of the last 29 matches between the two sides while Bangladesh could secure only three victories. Also read: FIFA, AFC Qualifiers: Shohel Rana to miss remaining matches due to injury Bangladesh remained at the bottom of the five-team Group E, securing two points from six matches while India stayed at the fourth slot securing three points from six matches. In their previous group match in Doha Thursday, Bangladesh drew 1-1 with Afghanistan while India conceded a 0-1 defeat against host Qatar. Qatar is now leading the points table, securing 19 points from seven matches while Oman have secured 12 and Afghanistan five points. India and Bangladesh are already out of the FIFA World Cup qualifying race but have a slim chance to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup if they can win the remaining two group matches. Also read: FIFA, AFC Qualifiers: Bangladesh play 1-1 draw with Afghanistan In a pre-match press conference in Doha Sunday, Bangladesh coach Jamie Day said, "The confidence level of the team is now high after settling for a 1-1 draw with Afghanistan. We are now looking for a point against India." All the players of the Bangladesh team, except Abahani midfielder Shohel Rana, are ready and fully fit to face India Monday. Earlier, Bangladesh were unable to consider three vital players – Saaduddin, Ashraful Islam Rana and Bishwanath Ghosh – for the Qatar-bound squad due to injuries.

Bangladesh's national football team is currently competing in the Asia section of the 2022 World Cup qualifications. As usual, Bangladesh have no chance of qualifying for the World Cup final because they have yet to win a match in the second round. Bangladesh have lost four out of six matches in this World Cup qualifying round thus far. The remaining two World Cup qualifiers are crucial for Bangladesh. The outcome of the two matches will determine whether Bangladesh will be able to compete in the next Asia Cup. What Bangladesh football team can achieve in World Cup 2022 qualifiers is discussed in this article. Bangladesh's current standings in the AFC World Cup qualifying round The Bangladesh national team are currently in the fifth position in Group E of the second round of World Cup 2022 qualifiers, meaning they are at the bottom of the points table with only two points. India are in fourth place with only one point ahead of Bangladesh. Afghanistan (5) are in the third position, Oman (12) in second, and Qatar are topping the Group E points table. Read Ballon d'Or 2021: Who Will Win the Prestigious Award? Bangladesh drew one match against two neighbors, India and Afghanistan in the group stage. On the other side, Bangladesh have lost two matches to Qatar, one match to Afghanistan, and one match to Oman. Bangladesh only have two more matches to play in the World Cup qualifiers. So, Bangladesh will not be able to advance to the next round. Qatar have secured the next round with 19 points. While Oman, who are in the second position with 12 points, are already on the verge of clinching a spot in the next round. As a result, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and India are battling for a place in the third round of Asia Cup 2023 qualification.  The outcome of the last two round matches will determine which team will play directly in the next round of the Asian Cup 2023. Bangladesh's next two matches are crucial in this regard.  Read FIFA, AFC qualifiers: Bangladesh face India Monday Bangladesh's chances of qualifying for the Asian Cup 2023 There are a total of eight groups in the AFC World Cup second round qualifiers. The best team from each group will play in the Asian Cup 2023. Besides, the top four runner-up teams across all groups of the second round will be guaranteed a spot in the Asian Cup in 2023. In addition, the remaining four runner-up teams and third-place teams in each group will advance to the Asian Cup 2023 third qualifying round. On the other hand, the top four fourth-place teams from each group will advance to the Asian Cup's third qualifying round. The four fourth-place teams and the bottom teams in each group will advance to the third qualifying round of the Asian Cup 2023. Read BCL Football: Swadinata KS beat Farashganj 2-1 Bangladesh will need to win both of their remaining matches to finish in the top three of Group E. Bangladesh will face India on Monday (June 7) and Oman on Tuesday (June 15). Bangladesh will have 8 points if they win these two games. In that case, Bangladesh's chances of finishing in the top three will increase apart from securing a spot in the top four of the group. Furthermore, Bangladesh will rise to the top of the points table if they lose one match and India lose their final two matches. They must finish in the top three in order to directly qualify for the Asia Cup 2023 third qualifying round. Otherwise, Bangladesh will be forced to compete in the Asia Cup qualifying play-off round. Verdict Bangladesh have yet to show that they are capable of competing in a major tournament like the World Cup. However, Bangladesh's national football team is considerably more matured and capable of battling now than it was before. The Bengal Tigers are able to put up a strong resistance against the big oppositions in Asia if they can play with their best. Bangladesh will keep their chances of playing in the Asia Cup if they win their last two matches of the second round of World Cup 2022 qualifiers. So the team tigers will need to perform well in the remaining group stage matches.  Read Women's Football: Ataur Rahman College thump Suddopuskorini 6-0

Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan College SC crushed Suddopuskorini Jubo SC 6-0 in the Women's Football League 2020-21 at the floodlit Bangabandhu National Stadium Saturday. They led the first half 3-0. Mogini scored twice in the 34th and 78th minutes; Tanjum also scored two goals in the 71st and 72nd minutes while Ripa and Marzia added two more in the 23rd and 42nd minutes. Also read: Women's Football: Kanchijhuli SC beat Suddopuskorini JSC 3-1 However, the day's other match between FC Brahmanbaria and Kanchijhuli SC ended in a 1-1 draw at the same venue in the afternoon. After a barren first half, Munmun Akter scored for FC Brahmanbaria in the 49th minute (1-0) while Sabrina levelled the margin for Kanchijhuli SC in the stoppage time (90+3 minute). Also read: Women's Football: Bashundhara crush Cumilla 9-0

Swadinata Krira Sangha earned a 2-1 victory over Farashganj Sporting Club in the 12-team Bangladesh Championship League (BCL) Football 2020-21 at the Kamalapur Stadium Saturday. All three goals were scored in the first half of the match. Also read: BCL Football: Wari beat Dhaka 2-0; Pragati overpower Youngmen's 2-1 Bakar put Swadinata KS ahead in the 29th minute (1-0) while Sajal doubled the victory margin in the 37th minute from a penalty (2-0). Jibon reduced the deficit for Farashganj SC in the 42nd minute (2-1). Also read: BCL Football: Wanderers beat Agrani 3-1; Swadhinata crush Victoria 3-0 Victoria SC will play Dhaka Wanderers Club at 4pm at the Bangabandhu National Stadium while Agrani Bank SC will face Kawran Bazar Pragati Sangha at 4pm at the Kamalapur Stadium Sunday.

Bangladesh midfielder  Sohel Rana, now in Qatar to play the 2nd round Group E Joint Qualification matches of FIFA World Cup Qatar' 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, will miss remaining two matches due to injury.   He left the field in 57th minute of the Bangladesh-Afghanistan 1-1 draw match in Doha on Thursday after suffering injury in his left hand.   A fracture was traced in his hand when MRI and X-Ray done at the hospital after the Thursday's match to be out of the tournament for remaining two matches.   Dhaka Abahani's Sohel Rana wins AFC Cup 2019 Goal of the week   However, the Abahani medio Shohel Rana will meet the physician again on Sunday to know how long he will out of the field.   Earlier, three key players of Bangladesh team -- Saaduddin, Ashraful Islam Rana and Bishwanath Ghose--missed Qatar trip before the team's departure, also for injuries.   Bangladesh play neighboring India on June 7 at 8 pm (Bangladesh time) and Oman on June 15 at 11 pm (BST) in their remaining two Group E qualification matches, both at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.   Meanwhile, Bangladesh team did  not practice in Doha on Friday.    Thursday's playing eleven of the team had a swimming session at the team hotel Friday morning while the rest of the booters had a gym session in the afternoon.   Bangladesh team is scheduled to take part in a gym session Saturday morning and will go for practice at the Qatar University ground in the afternoon.   Bangladesh remained at bottom of the five-team Group E securing two points from six matches while Afghanistan also remained at the 3rd slot with five points from six matches.   Qatar is now comfortably leading the point table as the lone unbeaten team securing 16 points from six matches while Oman secured 12 and India bagged three 3 points, playing five matches each.

Fortis Football Club managed a 2-1 victory over NoFel Sporting Club in the 12-team Bangladesh Championship League (BCL) Football 2020-21 at the Kamalapur Stadium Friday. Zillur and Zakir scored for Fortis, one in each half, while Masum netted the only goal for NoFel in the second half. Also read: BCL Football: Wari beat Dhaka 2-0; Pragati overpower Youngmen's 2-1 NoFel's Shakib received a red card in the 28th minute. Farashganj SC will play Swadinata Krira Sangha Saturday at 4pm at the same venue. Also read: BCL Football: Wanderers beat Agrani 3-1; Swadhinata crush Victoria 3-0

Bangladesh came from behind to play out a 1-1 draw against Afghanistan in the Group E 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Qatar's Doha Thursday. After a barren first half, forward Amir Sharifi put Afghanistan ahead in the 48th minute by an angular shot from the danger zone (1-0). Veteran defender Topu Barman levelled the margin for Bangladesh in the 84th minute (1-1). Bangladesh settled for a draw after fighting bravely with their physically superior Afghan rivals until the final whistle, especially in the last few minutes. Also read: FIFA, AFC qualifiers: Bangladesh to play Afghanistan Thursday This was the second draw for both Afghanistan and Bangladesh in their six matches of the ongoing qualifiers. Afghanistan beat Bangladesh 1-0 in the first round match in Tajikistan's Dushanbe on September 10, 2019. Despite the day's result, Bangladesh remained at the bottom of the five-team Group E, securing two points from six matches while Afghanistan stayed at the third slot with five points from six matches. Qatar is now comfortably leading the points table, securing 16 points from six matches. Among others, Oman have secured 12 and India three points from five matches. Bangladesh will face India and Oman in their remaining Group E qualifiers on June 7 and 15, both at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha. Also read: World Cup qualifiers: Bangladesh continue fitness training Earlier, Bangladesh started their FIFA and AFC joint qualifiers campaign with a 0-1 defeat against Afghanistan, a 0-2 loss against Asian champions Qatar in Dhaka, a 1-4 defeat against Oman, and a humiliating 0-5 loss against Qatar in Doha. However, the booters earned a 1-1 draw against India in Kolkata. Bangladesh team against Afghanistan Anisur Rahman Zico, Rahmat Miya, Topu Barman, Riyadul Hasan, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Jamal Bhuyan (C), Masuk Miya Zoni, Sohel Rana, Biplu Ahmed, Matin Miah and Rakib Hossain.