The Socceroos have been struck with two fresh injuries as they prepare to travel to Bangladesh for a crucial World Cup qualifier, but the team will likely face much tougher mental roadblocks leading up to a potentially stressful trip to Dhaka.
Considering the recent deplorable terrorist attacks in Paris, it would not be a surprise if some of the travelling squad and staff are feeling a little nervous about the upcoming match. You could certainly not blame them.
The country has been subject sectarian violence in recent years, while two foreigners were killed in September and October, with the Islamic State taking responsibility. Last month the Australian cricket team cancelled a two-Test tour to the country after intelligence emerged of possible militant action against Westerners.
ASIO and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) both advised Cricket Australia of the dangers, leading to the cancellation, however the Socceroos’ trip has been given an all-clear after consultation between FFA, FIFA, AFC and law enforcement agencies.
Originally the FFA had sought a venue change, but FIFA rejected the request and made it clear that any cancellation would result in a forfeit and a 3-0 loss. It has effectively given the FFA little choice, with the governing body advising players they were free to pull out.
Dhaka’s local newspaper The Daily Star has only added to the uncertainty over security, having revealed the Socceroos’ travel and accommodation plans last week.
Sniffer dogs and bomb disposal units will be deployed at the Bangabandhu National Stadium for Tuesday’s clash and Dhaka’s deputy police chief Maruf Hasan has said security will be at an “unprecedented level”.
“We will seal off the shops for two days after a thorough security check. The movement of all vehicles around the stadium will be suspended. Our dog squad and bomb disposal unit will sweep the ground before the match,” Hasan said.
It would be insane to think the FFA has not done everything in its power to ensure the trip runs smoothly and safely, but the circumstances will no doubt have some effect on the players and off-field staff.
Work for most people around the world would have been tough to concentrate on in recent days, and for the Socceroos it will be no different.
The team is currently in Singapore following their dominant 3-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan last week, and another big win is necessary to keep momentum moving towards a crucial game against Jordan early next year.
In September the Socceroos defeated Bangladesh with ease, converting five unanswered goals, but this fixture will undoubtedly prove much tougher.
Amid the off-field distractions, the Socceroos will also have to contend with further injuries, as Tomi Juric and Tommy Rogic join Matthew Spiranovic and Mathew Leckie on the sidelines, and Mat Ryan’s fitness still uncertain.
Juric was forced off less than half an hour into the Kyrgyzstan match with a groin injury, while Rogic pulled up with quad soreness after a dazzling cameo off the bench. There are question marks over Nathan Burns as well, who was substituted for a corked leg, though he should be fit for the game.
A win would take the Socceroos above Jordan in Group B, ahead of the table-toppers’ later game against Kyrgyzstan. While anything less than three points would prove disastrous for World Cup aspirations, the match will be an irrelevant backdrop for most people this week.
In sport the population can find solace from the cruelties of the world, but considering the location and circumstance it will be difficult to ignore the context for the Socceroos’ clash in Dhaka.
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