Chapter 22:- A Formidable Foe: Bangladesh vs. Iraq in the Knockout Stages
Two days later, the group stage officially concluded, and the knockout stages were set to begin. The top two teams from each group automatically qualified, along with the four best third-placed teams. A total of 16 teams would now vie for victory in the knockout stages.
Bangladesh, having secured their spot, was slated to face Iraq in the upcoming match. Iraq had displayed its strength by winning all three of its group stage matches, claiming the top position. They were known for their formidable attack, making them a formidable opponent for Bangladesh. It was an undeniable fact that Iraq would pose a tough challenge. However, for the Bangladeshi squad, losing was simply not an option. Their determination and fighting spirit was unwavering as they prepared to face this daunting task head-on.
"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we are about to witness a historic moment in the AFC Asian Cup. Bangladesh, for the very first time, will be competing in a knockout stage match. This remarkable achievement can be attributed to one extraordinary individual, none other than the sensational K9, Kabir."
"As Bangladesh prepares to face one of the tournament's strongest teams, Iraq, we cannot overlook the threat posed by their formidable attack. Bangladesh's defensive vulnerabilities make this match particularly intriguing."
"Will Kabir defy all odds and lead his nation to victory once again? Or will Iraq emerge triumphant and advance to the next round? Regardless of the outcome, I can assure you that tonight's match promises to be one of the most captivating encounters in the AFC Asian Cup."
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"Gather 'round, everyone," Jaime addressed the team, his voice filled with determination. "Tonight, losing is not an option. We've come this far because of each and every one of you. I firmly believe that this year, we can clinch the AFC Asian Cup. I want you all to believe in yourselves as well. We will not leave without the trophy. Give it your all. Do whatever it takes to prevent the opponent from scoring."
"Yes, Coach!" the players responded in unison, their voices echoing with conviction.
"I was contemplating resigning from my position," Jaime revealed, his thoughts wandering. "But now, I've had a change of heart. With this squad, I truly believe we can make a significant impact in the World Cup as well. This team requires some time to develop." Jaime had contemplated stepping down after the AFC Asian Cup, feeling disheartened by the lack of major victories. However, Kabir's arrival had rekindled his passion for coaching the team.
"Half of the players here are still young. We will prepare ourselves for the 2022 World Cup," Jaime continued, his gaze filled with determination. Coaching a team to the World Cup had always been his lifelong dream, and with Kabir leading the way, he knew that dream could become a reality.
As Kabir finished tying his boot laces, he noticed Coach standing before him. Perplexed, he asked, "Is something the matter?" His teammates exchanged mischievous glances, amused by Kabir's confusion.
"Kabir," Coach began, and Kabir's eyes widened in surprise as he saw the team captain, Ibrahim, personally handing him the captain's armband.
"This..." Kabir hesitated, holding the armband in his hands, his gaze shifting between Coach and Ibrahim.
"We all believe that you are better suited to be the captain," Coach explained, with Ibrahim nodding in agreement. "It was Ibrahim who first proposed the idea, and he will serve as the vice-captain. From this moment forward, you will lead the team as the captain. We have unwavering faith in you. You are our best asset, and no one has any objections to you assuming this role."
Kabir slipped the captain's armband onto his left arm and nodded earnestly. "I won't disappoint you. I will do everything in my power to ensure our team emerges victorious."
"Excellent," Jaime affirmed, his decision to make Kabir the captain solidified. Initially hesitant due to concerns about Kabir's maturity, Jaime's confidence grew after witnessing his exceptional performances in the three previous games. There was no doubt in Jaime's mind that Kabir was the most deserving candidate to lead the team.
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[Bangladesh Squad -
Rana, Ashraful Islam [GK]
Khan [CB], Hosain [CB], Mohammad Rahmat [LFB], Hasan [RFB],
Ahamad [LMF], Ibrahim [RMF], Kabir [CAM]
Matin [RW], Arifur [LW], Nabib [CF]
Coach - Jaime
Formation - 4-3-3
VS
Iraq's Squad -
Jalal [GK]
Khalaf [CB], Alaa Ali [CB], Natiq [RFB], Attiya Ali [LFB]
Safaa Hadi [LMF], Tariq [RMF], Mahdi [CAM]
Al-Shammari [RW], Marem [LW], Dawood Yaseen [CF]
Formation -4-3-3
Coach - Katanec Srečko]
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After the teams, accompanied by the referee, made their way onto the pitch, discussions among the spectators were buzzing with the news of Kabir being named captain. One fan expressed, "I'm not surprised that Kabir has been given the captaincy. It was only a matter of time, considering his exceptional performance. There's no doubt that Kabir is the finest player Bangladesh has ever seen. He truly deserves this honor."
"I couldn't agree more," another fan chimed in. "This match holds immense significance for both teams. The tension in the air is palpable. Tonight's game will be an emotional rollercoaster for Bangladesh. A victory would keep their dreams of clinching the AFC Asian Cup alive."
As the referee conducted the toss, Iraq emerged as the winning team and chose to kick-start the match. In the initial 10 minutes, the game seemed evenly balanced. Bangladesh maintained possession, diligently passing the ball between midfielders and attempting to penetrate the opponent's territory. Meanwhile, the Iraqi team showcased excellent composure, particularly their defenders, who thwarted any attempts to breach their penalty box.
In the stadium, Yukina, Khalid, Kabir's parents, and over 15,000 passionate Bangladeshi fans anxiously observed the proceedings. This was the dream match for many football enthusiasts in Bangladesh. While the country excelled in cricket, their national cricket team had yet to secure a major international trophy. Consequently, fans held high hopes that Kabir would lead them to their first significant achievement on the global stage.
"Yukina, which team are you rooting for in this match?" asked a fellow Japanese girl seated beside Yukina. This girl was a friend of Yukina, and both of their families had traveled to the UAE to support their home country, Japan, in the AFC Asian Cup.
Yukina rolled her eyes at her friend's question. "Can't you tell?" she replied, gesturing to the oversized T-shirt she was wearing, adorned with Kabir's name and number. "I want Bangladesh to win. This Kabir is a force to be reckoned with. If Bangladesh loses, Japan won't have to face him. We can easily defeat Iraq." Yukina's friend, taken aback by her strong reaction, quickly fell silent.
In the 20th minute, the Iraq team managed to penetrate the formidable defensive trio of Kabir, Ibrahim, and Ahamad. Retrieving the ball from Ahamad, the Iraqi attacking midfielder swiftly passed it to Marem, the skillful left winger. Witnessing this, Kabir sprinted toward the penalty box in an effort to thwart Iraq's progress. Aware of his team's defensive struggles, there were moments when Kabir had to rejoin the defensive line.
Marem swiftly relayed the ball to his right, where Dawood, the center forward, outmuscled Khan, preventing him from reaching the ball. Dawood gained control and unleashed a powerful shot toward the right corner of the goalpost. Despite a valiant dive by the Bangladeshi goalkeeper, the ball found the back of the net, leaving him a fraction too late in his attempt to save.
Boooom!!!!!
[Now the score is 1 - 0]
"Iraq does it! They've managed to break the deadlock and score the opening goal. This is the first time in the AFC Asian Cup that any team has taken the lead against Bangladesh. It looks like Iraq might seize victory and advance to the next round."
Witnessing Iraq's successful goal, a wave of disappointment washed over the hearts of all the Bangladeshi fans, including Yukina. Her friend noticed the change in her expression, sensing her sadness and frustration.
"It's alright. We still have 70 minutes left to level the score. Don't worry, let's focus on our defense. We won't let this happen again," Kabir, as the captain, reassured his team, trying to uplift their spirits.
However, in the 40th minute, Iraq launched yet another fierce attack. This time, their attacking midfielder made a long pass to Dawood, their center forward. Dawood skillfully received the ball just outside the penalty box. Instead of immediately dribbling towards the goal, he opted to shift the ball to his right, evading the defenders, before unleashing a powerful shot.
Kabir and his teammates watched in awe as the ball soared above the defender's head, slightly curving to the left, and found its way into the upper right corner of the goalpost.
Boooom!!!!!!!!
[It's Goalllllllllll!!!!!]
"Iraq has just scored their second goal of the match. This goal could potentially be the decisive blow, ending Bangladesh's chances of winning this match."
The hopes of all Bangladeshi fans were crushed by this goal. Even the Bangladeshi players themselves began to feel the weight of disappointment, with some lowering their heads in despair. It wasn't for lack of effort from Kabir and the attacking players; Iraq's defense proved to be formidable, making it difficult for Bangladesh to find the back of the net.
Just before halftime, the Iraqi team launched yet another threatening attack. However, this time Kabir stepped in at the crucial moment, successfully thwarting their scoring opportunity.
As the second half commenced, both teams resumed their battle on the field. However, in the 61st minute, a devastating event unfolded that left Bangladeshi fans in disbelief. The opposing team's striker managed to find the back of the net once again, this time with a goal from outside the penalty box. This development was enough to drive some disheartened Bangladeshi fans to leave the stadium, unable to bear witness to their team's struggles.
Booom!!!!
[3 - 0]
"In the 61st minute, Iraq dealt a devastating blow to Bangladesh's hopes of advancing to the next round by scoring three goals. It appears highly unlikely for Bangladesh to mount a comeback at this point. The task of scoring three goals in just 30 minutes seems insurmountable, and even Kabir's brilliance may not be enough to save them."
The scoreline displayed on the stadium screen showed 0-3 in favor of Iraq, causing a wave of sadness and despair to sweep across the Bangladeshi fans. The atmosphere became heavy with disappointment and resignation. Yukina, sitting in her seat wearing Kabir's oversized T-shirt, felt her heart sink. Tears welled up in her eyes as she watched her beloved team falter on the field.
Nearby, Kabir's parents, who had been anxiously supporting their son from the stands, exchanged glances filled with sorrow and concern. The pain of seeing their son's dreams slipping away was etched on their faces. Despite being seated in different sections of the stadium, their shared anguish connected them in that moment.
Random Fan 1: "This is just heartbreaking. We had such high hopes for our team, and now look at the score."
Random Fan 2: "I can't believe it. Three goals down... it's like a nightmare. How did it come to this?"
Random Fan 3: "I feel like walking out. It's too painful to watch anymore. There's no chance of a comeback."
Random Fan 4: "Yeah, it's all over. We gave it our best, but Iraq is just too strong. We can't deny the reality."
The atmosphere around the stadium grew increasingly somber, with fans murmuring to each other and some even starting to leave. The once vibrant and passionate supporters had lost all hope, resigned to the inevitable outcome.
Yukina, wiping away her tears, turned to the Japanese girl sitting next to her.
Yukina: "I can't bear to see this anymore. It's too painful. We had hoped for so much, but it seems like it's slipping away."
Japanese Friend: "I understand how you feel, Yukina. It's tough to witness your team struggling like this. But remember, Kabir has brought so much joy to your country. His talent and determination are inspiring."
Meanwhile, Kabir's parents exchanged a few words amidst the sea of despondent fans.
Kabir's Mother: "Our poor boy... he must be devastated out there on the pitch."
Kabir's Father: "Yes, it's heartbreaking. But we must remember that Kabir never gives up. He always fights till the very end. We should have faith in him."
Though the mood was gloomy, a glimmer of hope still lingered among a few die-hard supporters. The resolute spirit of Kabir had left an indelible mark on the hearts of the fans, despite the overwhelming odds against them.
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