What was thought to be a stroll in the first leg of the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Bhutan, turned into a nightmare for Sri Lanka – the 29th and last FIFA ranked team beat the hosts 1-0 under the scorching sun.
Now Sri Lanka travel to unfamiliar Bhutan – 2,648m above sea level, and have double the task that of surviving through the weather conditions and overturn the first leg deficit.
Nobody gave the Himalayan country a chance in their first-ever World Cup qualifier but a winner 4 minutes from time by Tshering Dorji gave them a hitherto-unthinkable lead that they feel optimistic of retaining in the rarefied air of Changlimithang Stadium.
If Bhutan wins today’s match, the team will join the top 34 teams in Asia to battle it out for Road to Russia. The second leg, Coach Chokey Nima said is going to be challenging. “But, we are going to win,” he said.
Chokey Nima said the team had a good result in the first match against Sri Lanka. He said the first match they won helped boost morale of the team members. “We are not going to take the second leg easy,” he said.
Sri Lanka, is all set to clear the mess they created in their home country. Coach Nikola Kavazovic said they have to win tomorrow’s match by any means.
The 39-year-old Serbian Coach had underestimated the strength of Bhutan’s team until recently. He said Bhutanese players are full of energy, tactics and enthusiasm, different from the teams they had played against in the past.
Nikola Kavazovic has been coaching the current national team of Sri Lanka for the last nine months. He said Sri Lanka’s team is as new as Bhutan. “It was formed just about eight months ago.”
The Team Manager, Balendra Anthony said Thimphu’s cold climatic condition will not deter them. “It is a vital match for us. Climate is not going to be something that will affect us.”
Sri Lanka’s Captain, Chathuranga Sanjeewa said they will have to rectify the mistake them made in Sri Lanka. “I have hopes that the team will play well tomorrow and win the match.”
Nikola Kavazovic also said they have many records of winning away matches. “The cheering fans of Bhutan will even make my boys play better.”
