It was Mashrafe’s series

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza made the ODI series against West Indies all his own......

Let me clarify myself at first. I don’t belong to the school of those blind fans, who always think that whatever their heroes do, is always correct and defend them by abusing – a modern trend among the fans, which is getting worse day by day. In that sense, I am not a worshipper of Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who, at present, is that public figure, against whom you cannot say anything in Bangladesh. If you say so, well, the consequences won’t be good.

I do have my own complaints against Mashrafe. For example, I don’t appreciate the way he allows a bunch of greedy reporters to hang around him and gives them the opportunity to exploit his image to fill their pockets. I don’t appreciate the idea of making someone a God-like figure, who could neither be asked tough questions nor criticized if he is doing something wrong. And, it’s hard to accept a group of reporters portraying Mashrafe as a freedom fighter or even putting him on the same platform alongside the heroes of independence of Bangladesh!

I am one of the cricket followers in the land of emotions, who criticize such acts. I don’t know how to hog the limelight by going with the wind, but only know that no one is bigger than the team and country. They say, Mashrafe does not care about such things, but I ask, if he doesn’t care, why does he allow them to hang around him?

What I always like to witness is the cricketer Masharfe, who can be analysed in various aspects from the perspective of the game like we do in case of Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad or Tamim Iqbal. Let us think of Mashrafe as a human-being who is blessed with dedication, willpower, cricketing skills and leadership qualities.  Such qualities have made him one of the best in Bangladesh cricket’s history and a neutral writer’s pen would not move if he starts thinking Mashrafe either as a God or one of the heroes of independence of Bangladesh!

***

When the matter is about dedication and willpower, there is hardly anyone in the current Bangladesh team to hold a candle to Mashrafe. For the last seventeen years, this lad from Narail has given his all for the betterment of Bangladesh cricket. His whole body is nothing but a case study for the medical students who wish to build a career in Orthopaedics. His knees have borne the weight of the nation and at times they have denied supporting his body, but the man’s willpower has always propelled him to move on.            

His willpower has helped him to move on and even if he is not available in Test matches, the 50-over format has remained the platform for the exhibition of Mashrafe’s cricketing skills and leadership abilities. Still today, in coloured clothes, the man remains a symbol of hope.

***   

Bangladesh needed a massive psychological boost after a horrendous Test series. With people like Chris Gayle and Andre Russell around along with some exciting limited-overs customers, West Indies started off the three-match ODI as the favourites.  But one man’s fighting qualities halted their progress – Mashrafe led from the front to defend a total, which was not enough the way limited-overs cricket is played today. Mash displayed his ability to pitch on the right lengths according to the demand of the situation.

With the new ball, he hit the good-length area more, which exposed Evin Lewis, and started to mix up his deliveries when the track started to slow down – the cross-seamed deliveries and roll off the finger ones suffocated the home team’s batters. Mash ended up with four wickets in the match and the Tigers took the lead in the series by a handsome margin. The partnership between Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan hogged the limelight, but Mash was instrumental in this win.

The second ODI was a heartbreak and the third one could not be allowed to slip away.

Mash knew he should step up yet again and when Tamim Iqbal was dismissed at a crucial juncture in the match, as number six Mashrafe walked out to bat. The team required acceleration and thus, Mash decided to go after the bowling with his ability to clear the distance. For a while, there was a talk in the Bangladesh cricket fraternity of whether Mash could be used a floater in the batting order because of his power-hitting abilities. But it remained just a thought as the others stepped up to do the job.

In the third ODI at Providence, that thought came into a reality.

When Mash came out to bat, 11 overs were left and Bangladesh badly needed to accelerate to post at least 300 so that they could challenge the home team on such a small ground and good batting track. Mash did not wait too long to shift into fourth gear. His unorthodox style of batting took the West Indian bowlers to the cleaners. Within six overs, the Mashrafe-Mahmmudullah pair scripted a 53-run stand and when Mash left the scene, Mahmudullah carried on the momentum gifted by his skipper to post 301 for 6 in 50 overs.

Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis looked ominous with the bat. But there entered Mashrafe again. Lewis had to surrender to a length ball. The West Indian batters kept on posing a threat and with the wicket helping less, Mash decided to stop the leakage of runs. Shakib and Mehidy Hasan Miraz were used smartly whenever any of the bowlers leaked runs.  Even Mash himself was proving costly and thus decided to rotate his bowlers so that the home team never gained the upper hand. 

But at one point, he ran out of options and had to rely on his pacers who were proving costly. Mash took the risk and when 28 runs were required off 12 balls with two hitters at the crease, the ball was thrown to Rubel Hossain.

Bringing on Rubel in the 49th over was nothing but a courageous decision as the pacer had not bowled well in previous overs.

But Rubel leaked just six runs in one of the most important spells of his cricketing careers.

In the twinkle of an eye, the scenario of the match changed.

Mashrafe left the field with a smile and for a while, the frustration of Test series has vanished.

It was a much needed victory for the Tigers. There has not been anything to cheer about throughout this year and this win was required to bring back the lost confidence.

"If you consider the last three or four months, we really needed to win this series,” Mash said after the match. He then added, “It is a good sign ahead of the Asia Cup. But we have a lot to improve. A series win isn't everything. We have missed out on a lot of areas. Rubel did exactly what the team needed, which is a sign of our improvement but we need them consistently. We need to improve in our batting too”.

That’s how a captain should be! The Bangladesh captain is not over the moon after winning an ODI series outside home after nine years! But, he still thinks about improving more. The skipper is hungry and when a skipper is showing such intent, the mood among the players changes automatically. They feel the eagerness to perform and deliver their very best no matter how tough the situation is.

In my opinion, the three-match ODI series was the series of Mashrafe – a series to remember as a Bangladesh cricket follower for a long time. A series to praise the man named Mashrafe Bin Mortaza.           

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 29/07/2018 It was Mashrafe’s series

Thank You
Faisal Caesar 

Mushfiqur Rahim does not plan when it requires the most

Yet another close encounter, yet another heartbreak for Bangladesh……….

The departure of Shakib Al Hasan in the 30th over led Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad to unleash yet another inspiring partnership. It was neither about Tamim Iqbal’s uncharacteristic cautiousness nor Shakib’s exhibition of extra-responsible behavior with the willow, but it was all about accelerating the pace to reduce the asking run rate by relying on depth touches and strike-rotation.

Mushfiq and Mahmudullah’s 87-run stand for the third wicket only scripted pale faces among the West Indian players, whose bowlers seemed to lose ideas in each over. While the captain, Jason Holder, was left witnessing yet another great run chase where there was everything: well-timed boundaries, picking up the gaps and run as fast as possible and then well-timed boundaries again! The possibility of losing the ODI series started to loom large.

Bangladesh’s asking run rate escalated, but the kind of attitude Mushfiq and Mahmudullah exhibited, it was Bangladesh’s match t lose and in the end, the visitors managed to lose to the astonishment of Holder, who looked lost until the last over of the match.

Mahmudullah’s unnecessary run out brought Sabbir Rahman at the crease and with Mushfiq, he started to provide the perfect foil to Mushfiq’s aggression. The costly Keemo Paul got rid of Sabbir in the last ball of 49th over, but it did not worry the Bangladesh camp as Mushfiq was still round the corner and definitely, he has the reputation of finishing matches in ODIs: the picture of a delirious Mushfiq after finishing off the match against India in the Asia Cup six years ago in a similar run chase is still fresh in the minds of a Bangladeshi fan. In the Test matches, he did the same.

So, when eight runs were required in the final over and with Mushfiq on strike, my positive-mind did not wish to recollect those shorter-formats, where Mushy gifted heartbreaks. Obviously, Mushy was not playing a shorter-format, where glory-strokes are required even when it is not necessary. All Mushy needed to do was to maintain the same tempo and win it for Bangladesh.

Holder’s first ball was a full-toss, which slipped out of the hand and Mushy simply went for the glory-stroke and perished – a soft dismissal, which not even Holder imagined. Again, it was that midwicket region, where Mushfiq went for the glory and yet again, he ended up with eggs on his face. Playing shots in the midwicket region is his strength and at the same time his weakness as well. Alas, Mushfiq just did not plan the way he should have.  

Holder’s first ball was a full-toss, which slipped out of the hand and Mushy simply went for the glory-stroke and perished – a soft dismissal, which not even Holder imagined. West Indies hung on to an absolute cliffhanger and win the match by three runs.

The critics and fans are consistently citing the examples of those shorter-format matches and you just cannot stop them.  No one likes the repetition of mistakes and these days, Bangladesh are losing close encounters more often. As the captain of Bangladesh said, “It is not the first time that we lost a close encounter. It has happened quite a few times in the recent past. It is very disappointing that we are not learning from our mistakes. We must have finished the game easily, but unfortunately, we could not.”

And, Mushfiqur Rahim is at the centre of attraction for all the wrong reasons.

Why do Bangladesh, especially Mushfiq, crumble under pressure more often?

It’s easy to blame about the lack of temperament, but tough to give a solution!

Michael Bevan, one of the greatest finishers in the history of 50-over format was once asked in an interview, how could he pull off incredible matches from the most hopeless of situations! Bevo answered,  “ I felt that was a strength of mine - planning, strategy and making the right decisions. Even when it looks hard to score, it's about being disciplined and carrying out your plans. One of my goals was to be there till the end. I figured that if I was there till the end, we would win more matches than we lost. Of course, I didn't score a run a ball every minute, but that was my goal”.

The first word Bevo used is “planning”. While giving his explanation about planning, Bevo said, “It's a fairly complex process, but it's about playing to your strengths. Choosing the right ball to fit into your strengths, understanding the situation - who is bowling, how is the wicket, what is the match condition - and making the right decisions”.

No matter what sort of situation of the match you are in, it requires the perfect planning. If your planning is right, automatically, the platform of finishing off the matches under pressure is created. Mushfiq simply failed to take the right decision when it was required the most. Rather than going for the glory-stroke, he should have only timed it the way he had been doing throughout the run-chase.

At the back of the mind, maybe, he was thinking, while facing the last six balls, he did not need to do any more planning and things would end the way he wishes, but like I said, each situation demands an appropriate planning as in cricket, things can change in a matter of one false-stroke.   

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 26/07/2018 Mushfiqur Rahim does not plan when it requires the most

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Well done Imran Khan!

Imran Khan is my cricketing hero and not only a cricketing hero, but I have always considered him as one my role models. And I do have reasons to choose Imran as one of my heroes.

Very few can chase their dreams and fulfill them defying all the odds despite not being well-equipped to do such. Very few can utilize their mental strength to the maximum to reach the pinnacle of glory. Imran Khan is one of those dream chasers.

Here's a man who was written off both as a cricketer and politician, but on both occasions, he struck gold.

As a cricketer he went on to become as one of the all-time best all-rounders alongside Sir Garfield Sobers, Kapil Dev, Sir Ian Botham and Sir Richard Hadlee. While as a captain, he's still considered as the best in the business.

Of course, leading a perennially fractious team like Pakistan has never been easy, but he led a bunch of naturally gifted, wayward and arrogant boys with iron hands. He took Pakistan cricket to the top and challenged the might of dangerous West Indies at their own backyard.

After leading Pakistan to the World Cup glory, Imran established a well recognized cancer hospital and it was during the collection of funds for his hospital, the sufferings of people of rural areas touched him deeply. He decided to lead the nation.

Imran could have joined any of the big parties and reach the top without bearing so much pain, but Imran is person, who would not be the slave of someone else. He decided to run the show by himself.

In 1996, his election campaign was a disaster and since then, his political journey became a matter of joke and frustration for many. He was trolled and insulted by many. His conjugal life tarnished his image more - divorce and scandals hit the headlines.

But Imran denied to stop.

Despite being an aristocrat, he took the roads. He shunned all the luxuries and kept on interacting with the people of remote areas and fought for their rights.

He had no political backgrounds or ideal backups to run a political party, but still, he registered his name as a politician relying on sheer will power and courage.

And, the trolling continued.

But Imran never stopped.

Now, after 22 years of unbearable pain, insults and sacrifices, Imran has proved himself again - ascendency towards the Prime Minister's post in a country like Pakistan is not a joke, but the proof of the quality of a person who's a fighter and doesn't know how to lose.

Imran was the man, who raised his voice against a Mafia named Nawaz Sharif and champion of corruption, the bloody Bhuttos, whom, personally, I dislike the most. While many decided to take safe sides, Imran faced the heat alone.

Some of Pakistan's paid media, political rivals and well, many of you have portrayed him in many ways. Obviously most of them were bad while some of them were enough to surrender and stay at home. Well, the Khan never stopped.

Another challenging journey awaiting for the Lion. The journey won't be rosy, but the honeymoon period might end any moment as Pakistan politics is unpredictable like it's cricket team. How Imran manages the economy, terrorism and civil rights would be a subject to watch out for.

I won't go deep about political analysis, which I can do, but I always keep aloof from it as I don't find the interest to talk about it. Let me just speak as a fan and follower.

Being one of his fans, I always had to digest a lot of harsh criticisms. But why should I care? How can I ignore someone who has been inspiring me for the last three decades?

Well done Imran!

Your cornered Tiger like attitude, yet again, inspired me!

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The challenge for Bangladesh would be to maintain the winning momentum

A much needed victory, but just winning one match might not be enough for the Tigers………

 A few days ago, the President of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) threw a bombshell in front of the local press by stating, some of the senior players in the current Bangladesh cricket team are reluctant to play Test cricket. To be more specific, Mr. President mentioned the names of Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman. For a moment, the statement of BCB boss took the reporters by surprise and when they conveyed the message to the whole nation, the ardent followers of Bangladesh were taken aback.

Definitely, in a democratic world, each and every person is entitled to choose what he wishes, but above all, there remains something called conscience, which at times works as a tonic to show individuals the right path. Perhaps, Shakib and Mustafiz forgot, they are valued only because they represent a Test nation and it is Test cricket, which has made Shakib the best and can make Mustafiz the best also.

Nazmul Hassan’s statement did nothing but added more fuel to the dismal show in the Test series against West Indies. Bangladesh were battered from top to bottom by the hosts and their spineless display put a big question mark over the dedication and temperament of some of the senior players. Obviously, a team can lose, but losing a match without exhibiting any sort of fight back, is not only annoying to watch, but at the same time, sows the seeds of doubt in the minds of many.

Just when the doubts about the abilities of Bangladesh cricketers started to cast a spell in the minds and hearts of fans and critics, in Guyana, the Tigers got their acts together to essay an important victory, which for the moment has blown away the polluted air from Bangladesh cricket’s fraternity.

Jason Holder stated at the toss, he was not unhappy to lose as the track, which gave evidence of dampness early on, would subside as the match progresses. Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan consolidated the innings and they were in a grafting-mood, which should have been given the acceleration in the middle and last ten overs.

At that moment, the track looked good enough to bat on and going after the attack was the ideal way to go. Bangladesh looked to end up somewhere near 250 – a score, which was not enough to challenge the power-hitters of West Indies. But it was Mushfiqur Rahim, who stepped up to script the perfect knock to convey the message, that’s the way how could be done on this track.

It was up to the Bangladeshi bowlers to cash in and apart from Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Mosaddek Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the rest leaked more than four runs an over. Shakib and Rubel Hossain struggled with their lengths, while Mustafiz, tough returned well at the end, also struggled to maintain the line. It was Mashrafe, who took the responsibility to exploit the lackluster attitude of West Indian batters.

The West Indian batsmen never really got going and kept on losing wickets. It was on the same track where Jason Mohammad smashed the Pakistani attack in first ODI to chase down 309 runs and in the third ODI Pakistan won the ODI series by chasing. But yesterday, West Indies batting was like a ship without a rudder. If I have to judge neutrally, Bangladesh’s victory could be attributed to some reluctant batting display by West Indian top and middle order.

But Bangladesh would take this win to boost their confidence, which was absent during the Test series.  This victory has helped to overshadow the doubts regrading Bangla Boys. But those doubts about the Tigers might crop up again, if they fail to maintain the momentum gained through this victory. As because, success has many fathers, failure have none. The critics and fans are always unforgiving.

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 23/07/2018 The challenge for Bangladesh would be to maintain the winning momentum

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Video: On top Bangladesh cricketers reluctant to play Test cricket

In a recent interaction with the press, the President of Bangladesh Cricket Board Nazmul Hassan said that top players like Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman are reluctant to play Test cricket. The statement of the BCB boss has been like a bombshell in Bangladesh cricket's fraternity.

Deep Dasgupta, Arunabha Sengupta, Abhishek Mukherjee and Faisal Caesar discuss the matter at Cricketsoccer......

Note: This video has been published at Cricketsoccer on On top Bangladesh cricketers reluctant to play Test cricket

Thank You
Faisal Caesar 

Abu Jayed is good enough for Test cricket

Abu Jayed has impressed as a Test bowler and it would be interesting to stay how he can maintain his mojo in the long run…….

What catches your attention more these days in a five-day match? Maybe for the last fifteen years, it has been al about a good stroke scripted by a willow-wielder. Either a sweet cover drive or an arrogant cut or pull left you thinking about the next Sachin, Lara or Ponting, but your mind never thought about the Wasim, Waqar, Ambrose r McGrath. Well, cricket is more about batsmen these days! But still, some do emerge amid the majestic exhibition of wristy-strokes and soft-hands.

In Bangladesh’s rather dismal Test journey, the emergence of a Test-quality pace bowler is a rarity. The tale has been all about either Shakib Al Hasan or the rest – a bunch of stroke-makers and left-arm spinners. Yes, the left-arm spinners would come into the conversation more often. The country experienced one Mashrafe Bin Mortaza whose Test career was cut short by injuries and after a long wait a lad named Mustafizur Rahman took the nation by storm, but at present, that also seems like an oasis in the desert.

There have been performers like Shahadat Hossain,  Mohammad Shahid, Rubel Hossain, Al-Amin Hossain and Taskin Ahmed. But none could stay longer in Test cricket.  Some of them flourished a lot under the charismatic Chandika Hathurusingha and Heath Streak, but faded as soon as they departed. Some of them are limited to 50-over formats while some of them are forgotten names.

In this short list of Test-quality pace bowlers, Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi is the latest addition, who is giving hope for a better future, but with hope runs the fear of fading away like others as well.

But let’s be positive.

Former Pakistan star, Aaqib Javed came to Bangladesh two years ago to work with the pace bowlers of High-Performance Squad(HP) and Bangladesh Cricket Team. He sent two quality days with the pacers of HP, where Abu Jayed’s ability as a pacer impressed the Pakistani. He praised a lot about him and when someone like Aaqib praises, you have to take it with enough importance as because, the Pakistani had a great reputation as a pacer and coach and moreover, he had been one of the students of mighty Imran Khan.

The encouragement of Aaqib surely had boosted Abu, but the entry in the national squad was still a long way. Jayed had to spend more time in the batting-friendly decks of Bangladesh domestic cricket. In fact, Jayed made his first-class debut way back in 2010 at Fatullah. The young lad witnessed the rise of Bangladesh cricket and opportunities to run away from him despite showing enough abilities in first-class cricket.

He witnessed the rise and fall of Taskin, who once was his bowling partner at Under-19 level and the emergence and fading away of other pacers, who almost eradicated the school of thought that Bangladesh are dependent on spinners only. The school of Streak and Chandika gave rise to a new Bangladesh, but Abu had to watch all these from outside the team. Frustrations chipped in, but the young lad never lost hope.      

After 1589.4 overs in 109 innings and 64 first-class matches, Abu Jayed was considered to play in white clothes for Bangladesh. But that also might have happened if Mustafiz was fit enough to play. In life, we all need a slice of luck.

In the first Test at Antigua on Day 1, Jayed’s experience as a Test cricketer was bitter. Definitely, you don’t expect your team to get crushed for 43 runs within one hour of play. Jayed had to digest this and come out immediately to bowl under the hot sun.

The wicket had dried out and with the sun shining brightly overhead, the conditions were not favourable for pacers. But Jayed’s experience on the flat decks of Bangladesh domestic cricket helped to grow as a pacer and realise about the importance of using the crease and where to pitch the ball more consistently.

 Jayed impressed as a pacer from the word go! With the new ball Jayed extracted movement and what impressed me was his ability to bring the ball back into the batters consistently from that full-length. Apart from Mustafiz and Rubel, hardly any pacers could bang the ball back-in so well from a full-length.

Then he had that line in and around that fourth and fifth stump, which creates doubt in the mind of a batsman. While bowling that line, he pulls his length back and pitches it up and he would maintain that length throughout his brief spell.

Bangladesh lost the first Test, but Jayed made an impact and he proved that in the second Test also. Surprisingly, why he was not used on Day 1 still remains a moot question and on the second and third day, he was equally impressive, like his captain Shakib and colleague Mehidy Hasan as a bowler.

At Jamaica, one could see Jayed bowl a bit quicker and generate contrast-swing to baffle the home team’s batsmen. In two Test matches, he picked up seven wickets   at an average of 20.42. The number of wickets could have been more had Shakib used him enough on Day 1 of second Test.

It’s still too early to think big about Jayed. The past experiences are not good enough for me or any other Bangladesh followers regarding promising talents. Like his predecessors, Jayed is giving hope. Jayed has shown the qualities to be one of the finest Test pacers from Bangladesh. The young man is good enough for Test cricket and it is up to him and Bangladesh hierarchy to keep him away from the toxic environment and stay focused on his game more.

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 19/07/2018 Abu Jayed is good enough for Test cricket

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Video: Bangladesh's meek surrender, again!

It was a different test match and a different venue, but the result was the same! The Test match ended within three days as the visiting team, Bangladesh failed to display any sort of spine while batting. 

Deep Dasgupta, Arunabha Sengupta, Garfield Robinson and Faisal Caesar discuss the second Test between West Indies and Bangladesh at Jamaica.......

Note: This video has been published at Cricketsoccer on 15/07/2018 Video: Bangladesh’s meek surrender, again!

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Barry Davies and Brazil

"And here's Zico. Runs all along beating the Soviet defence. Zico shoots, well saved Desayev. Well, that's what the crowd loves to see with Zico running all along and beating the defence".

Brazil vs Soviet Union, Group Stage, World Cup 1982

"Socrates, still Socrates. Found the angle, what a beauty"

Brazil vs Soviet Union, Group Stage, World Cup 1982

"Falcao, let's it go....Eder! Oh, I say, the goalkeeper never moved".

Brazil vs Soviet Union, Group Stage, World Cup 1982

"And Romario will finds the space and he scores"!

Brazil v Cameroon, Group Match, World Cup 1994

"They were looking bit out of pace in first half, not in the second, Romario in the middle and he scores! 4 goals in five games and Romario is the finisher. Everyone wants to hug, but those who're in the middle are allowed to".

Brazil v Holland, Quarterfinals, World Cup 1994

"The Dutch waiting for the offside, this is Bebeto. That's the second goal and Dutch cannot believe it. It's Samba time at the Cotton Bowl".

Brazil v Holland, Quarterfinals, World Cup 1994

"Branco with the freekick which he has won. The Dutch wall organise themselves.... Woah, wonderful strike! Branco has given Brazil the lead!

Brazil v Holland, Quarterfinals, World Cup 1994

"ROMARIO! At last, and at last, Brazil have score and surely they will go through to the finals since 1970. Jorginho's cross and Romario finishes it".

Brazil v Sweden, Semifinals, World Cup 1994

"First chance of the match. You know who had the ball. Plays it towards Bebeto.....Well, every time Romario has the ball on his feet the atmosphere in the stadium changes".

Brazil v Italy, Final, World Cup 1994

"Baggio to take the kick. And its over the top. Brazil have won the World Cup".

Brazil v Italy, Final, World Cup 1994

"Rivaldo...... Ronaldo! Wow, first goal in the World Cup for the youngster".

Brazil v Morocco, Group stage, World Cup 1998

"Chance here for Bebeto.....Brazil have equalized! Ronaldo cut through the heart of Danish defence and Bebeto score".

Brazil v Denmark, Quarterfinals, World Cup 1998.

"Rivaldo with a bit of a space runs in and shoots with his left foot. Brazil have taken the lead"!

Brazil v Denmark, Quarterfinals, World Cup 1998.

"The second half is under way and we are waiting for an explosion. Rivaldo to Ronaldo and there's the opener. It's RONALDO"!

Brazil v Holland, Semifinals, World Cup 1998.

At first John Motson and now Barry Davies. Like Motson, he was a part and parcel during Brazil matches in World Cup Thanks for the wonderful words you used to make the matches even more exciting.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar

Bangladesh learned nothing but repeated the mistakes

Shakib Al Hasan rediscovers his mojo, but it was not enough to create an impact as Bangladesh repeat the dismal show with the bat…..

Shakib Al Hasan, the Bangladesh skipper, pitched the first of ninth over on a length from wide of the crease at the fag end of Day 2. The delivery was well-flighted and had enough pace to break the stubborn defence of Kraigg Brathwaite. It was a typical Shakib-dismissal, which he is habituated to deliver when he is at his pristine best. That delivery was nothing, but a message to his critics, the best player from Bangladesh is all set to rediscover his lost mojo.

And, on Day 3, Shakib was all over the West Indian batting lineup. He simply ran through the home team’s middle-order. The length, which Shakib bowls more is a tad full and pulls it back to flummox the batters. Devon Smith was undone by yet another well-flighted delivery on the back-of-a-length to drag him forward only to be dismissed via stumping. Then Keemo Paul was outfoxed by similar length and flight. Kireon Powell tried to arrest a collapse, but Shakib dished out his speciality, the quicker one, which trapped Powell plumb in front.

The best all-rounder in the world was in a killer-mood and it was contagious. Men like Abu Jayed, Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan joined the party to set jitters in the West Indies batting lineup. When Jason Holder left the scene, West Indies were reeling at 124 for 8 and the risk of the wagging of Caribbean tail was in the mind of Bangladesh Test skipper, and thus, he returned to polish off the tail and bag a six-wicket haul.

Even though, West Indies were skittled out for 129 in their second innings, but Bangladesh's poor batting display helped them to take a handy lead. The visitors were left to chase 335 runs on a track, which was not an unplayable one.

Sadly, the response of Bangladesh batters remained the same. They came out to bat and neither showed the intent nor the attitude to play a Test match. Shakib shone with the bat by scripting a half-century, while the rest surrendered meekly as the Test ended within three days.

While speaking about Bangladesh’s poor display with the bat, Tamim Iqbal said after the match, “We only have ourselves to blame. Our batting was not up to the mark. We were playing on difficult wickets but these were not unplayable. There were exceptional deliveries but it wasn't so bad that we couldn't get 200 in any innings. Even today, we weren't going to make 330 or 340 but it was a really good wicket to bat on. If we could have been in the contest longer, it would have been an interesting game”.

The numbers suggest none of the Bangladesh batsmen could notch up a hundred in four innings and their overall batting average in this series had been a pathetic 12.60, which is the lowest ever for Tigers. They had starts, but none from the top could convert them into big ones – criteria, which is very much needed in five-day matches. 

Mind-boggling selection

The idea of playing Liton Das as the opener could not be understood. He is not an opener and there should have been an ideal replacement for Imrul Kayes. And, it’s not the first time that Kayes got injured while facing quality pace bowling. It happened in New Zealand and it happened in the West Indies as well, which only hints about the mental-and-technical-fragility of this guy.   

Liton suits very well at number six or seven in Tests as his role is the keeper, while Mushfiqur Rahim at number four or five. If Mushfiq has been relieved from his wicketkeeping duties to concentrate on his batting in Test matches, why was he batting at six, remains a moot question! 

Then the question remains about Mahmudullah's batting position as well. In an interview three years ago, immediately after the ICC Wolrd Cup, he expressed, how batting at number four changed his game. But it seemed, in the Test series, he was playing more as a floater. We don't see a floater in five-day matches, do we? Ideally, Mahmudullah should have come at four, Mushfiq at five, Shakib at six and Liton at seven. But, throughout the Test, I always felt, Bangladesh were not sure about their batting positions!   

With Liton opening the innings, made the way for a young lad named Nurul Hasan as the wicketkeeper, who hit the headlines for his misbehaviour in Sri Lanka and is a much-hyped cricketer among some of the local sports reporter. Behind the wickets, he was sloppy and with the bat, except one lucky strike at Antigua, he could not cash in, which proves yet again, how badly the selection of Bangladesh is affected by hype rather than logic. It is only because of this hype by local media, Bangladesh cricket is struggling right now.

Nurul Hasan is still not prepared for Test cricket and needs to do a lot of hard work to prepare himself for the longer version. Of course, the young man should also get the hype-factor out of his mind.  

It was also a pity to watch some shambolic display from two most experienced campaigners of Bangladesh – Mahmudullah Riyad and Mominul Haque. Mahmudullah and Haque made 19 and 16 runs in the series respectively, which hurt the visitors big time. Both of them were fragile technically and were left clueless in the middle.

Lastly, there is no shame in losing a match, but when a team loses a match without exhibiting any fighting spirit and repeating the mistakes, it cannot be appreciated at all. When a team keep on fighting even under pressure, they can script the best of results. The best example is Chandika Hathurusingha’s Sri Lanka. At least, the Tigers could have a pep-talk with their past master.  

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 15/07/2018 Bangladesh learned nothing but repeated the mistakes

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Dear Bangladesh batsmen, it’s a Test match and not T20

Yet another dismal show by the Bangladesh batsmen!

Liton Kumar Das started off confidently! A sweetly-timed stroke through the offside off a Shannon Gabriel pacey delivery hinted about his attacking mood and it did not stop just here, but Keemo Paul was dispatched for a boundary through the extra-cover via a glorious drive. Confidence has been boosted and the strike reached the status of Twenty20. The Tigers went for a power lunch with a great satisfaction. The Bangladesh bowlers roared back in the first session to bag the rest of wickets of West Indies and gave the visitors a hope to shrug-off the dismal show at Antigua.

In the second session, Bangladesh batsmen were needed to curb their Twenty20 instincts more and focus on spending time at the crease and leaving the ball as much as possible.      

In the post-lunch session, Keemo Paul was bowling full and outside off against Liton. Liton left one delivery and that was the ideal way to go, but he seemed eager to play his shots as if he was playing the Nidahas Trophy Final where the asking run rate would escalate if he leaves a delivery. But this was Jamaica, where a Test match is going on and requires more application.

Liton fetched three runs with an uppish drive – the fragility started to show its ugly face. In over number 7 of Bangladesh innings, Gabriel started off to hunt. He knew Liton was restless and would commit a mistake anytime. He angled in a ball from short of a length, which should have been defended rather than attempting to play on the onside. The next ball was similar, but Liton was trapped plumb in front!

Yet again, Liton tried to flick the ball, which should have been blocked. The failure to curb the attacking intent scripted his downfall and the same sort of intent was evident among the experienced campaigners of Bangladesh as well.

Mominul Haque, who was portrayed as the victim of Chandika Hathurusingha’s conspiracy theory by Bangladesh media and later on helped by a so-called local coach named Salahuddin, walked towards the dressing room by attempting to close the face against the angle of Gabriel – almost the carbon copy of first Test dismissal. Now, there is no Hthursingha round, but Salahuddin, who perhaps did not teach Mominul to learn from his mistakes, which Chandika did.

What would the so-called sports reporters and fanboys of Bangladesh say now?

Two down and Bangladesh needed their senior batsmen to rise to the occasion. Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal stitched a 59-run partnership, but it lacked the ideal nature of a Test match – more boundaries flowed rather than strike-rotation. The West Indian captain Jason Holder persisted with his usual line-and-length as he knew Shakib would commit a mistake.

In the first ball of over number 24, Shakib executed a loose-shot against the run of play, and regarding the captain of the side, it’s tough to admit “Shakib plays this way”. Just in the previous over, he cut a similar length, but this time around, he misjudged the line! The wise men say, don’t repeat the same thing every time, it might invite trouble.

Two balls later, a shaky Mahmudullah Riyad shuffled across the crease and was trapped lbw. It was yet another display of bad technique against a pace bowler.

Tamim and Mushfiqur Rahim arrested a collapse, but Tamim - who showed the intent to occupy the crease - was undone by yet another angled delivery by Paul while Mushfiq was in the mood of Nidahas Trophy – his 24 runs included five boundaries and a lesser amount of strike-rotation. And in the end, his lifeline at the crease was cut short by Holder – a lazy attempt to jab against a short of a length ball, which flew towards gully!

A resistance was expected from the highly rated Nurul Hasan, but the guy only knows how to play blazing strokes in the Bangladesh Premier League, but this is a Test match where on-field antics or blazing strokes have no value. Hasan digested a golden duck and Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s stay lasted for twelve balls.

Bangladesh failed to reach 150. Well, this could have been a very good total in a Twenty20 match, but sadly the Tigers are playing in a five-day match, where such scores cannot fetch anything better.   

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 14/07/2018 Dear Bangladesh batsmen, it’s a Test match and not T20

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The comeback of Bangladesh bowlers

A cracking comeback by the Bangladesh bowlers halted West Indies progress…….

When a young pacer knows how to pitch it full and bring it back at a consistent pace, no skipper should keep him off, but should continue to use him intelligently. Such pacers are an asset for any team. They run in even when the hopes are diminished and keep on trying different things in search of a wicket. They do breach the best of defences and they do break stubborn partnerships, which create the platform for others to exploit.

Abu Jayed is one of those quality pacers, which Bangladesh did not utilize enough yesterday.

But today, he was instrumental in changing the scenario in favour of Bangladesh.

Shimron Hetmyer and Roston Chase came out to bat on Day 2 with the intention to swell the total as much as possible. The kind of lacklustre bowling displayed by the visiting team yesterday, both the Windies batters thought of something similar today, but at Jamaica, in the first hour of play, it was a different Bangladesh unit.

A young lad named Abu Jayed ran in defying the heat and humidity and pitched the ball on the ideal lengths – back of a length and full enough. And, he pitched it with a consistent speed. It was the consistency in pace, which made Jayed a different bowler altogether. He kept the speed in and around 80 mph and his line-and-length created doubts in the mind of batters. He struck gold as early as possible by bagging the wickets of Hetmyer and Chase.

The dangerous Hetmyer failed to keep his bat away from a sharp delivery of Jayed, which jumped from the length outside the offstump, while Chase was trapped plumb in front via a full-delivery aimed from an angle. Chase and Shimron had to walk for the pavilion, leaving West Indies surprised and giving rise the question in Bangladesh cricket fraternity, why Jayed was not used enough yesterday when the track had enough to aid his fast-medium stuffs?  

Only Shakib and Bangladesh think tank can answer this question. Perhaps, Shakib wished to unsettle the Windies with spin as traditionally, they are not very good against spin bowling. It was a well-thought plan, but if the bowlers err in line-and-length, your plans would never be implemented. But ideally, with the new ball, there is no meaning in keeping someone like Jayed away, as because, he is one of those bowlers whose full-length and ability to bring the ball back in, would have helped Bangladesh a lot.

Moreover, opening with a spinner on such tracks may help in a Twenty20 match, but not in a five-day match.    

Two set batsmen gone and the complexion of the Test started to change.

The Tigers were on a roll.

Enters Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Now, this man is always special in Test matches.  He was one of the impressive bowlers yesterday in an average display, but today, he varied his pace and obviously, the length was improved even more.

The gritty little lad Shane Dowrich was outweighed by the slowness of the ball, which enticed the batter to come forward and resulted in a tame dismissal. Then Keemo Paul was undone by another full-length which kissed his edge, while Miguel Cummins was trapped lbw first ball, which gave Miraz yet another five-wicket haul in Test cricket.       

The West Indies skipper gave the visitors the fear of another effective partnership by the tail, which was so regular in the previous series against Sri Lanka, but Jayed’s pace ended up the ghost of Shannon Gabriel.

It was the perfect comeback by the Bangladesh bowlers, which was much needed Shakib and his men. And it was all dished out by that young man, Abu Jayed!  

It's up to the Bangladesh batsmen to deliver the goods so that the hard work of Jayed and Miraz don't go wasted! 

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 13/08/2018 The comeback of Bangladesh bowlers

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Bangladesh lack the courage to exploit luck

The story of Bangladesh's struggle continues......

Shakib Al Hasan’s luck in winning the toss seems pretty good. So far, in his second stint as the captain of Bangladesh Test side, he has outweighed his opposite number on both the occasions. But at the end of the day, the victory at the toss is not creating enough impact. Bangladesh are left seeking for answers.

When Shakib decided to bat on a greenish track at Antigua, I welcomed it as that’s should be the ideal approach of a proactive skipper. A bit of grass on the track should not make the captain and his men afraid, but convey the home team the message, the visitors are ready to accept the challenge!

Well, the story was different!

Bangladesh were skittled out for 43! It took the West Indian pacers just one hour to script the fate of first Test. When the home team came out to bat, the movement on the deck faded and it was bound to happen. As because, with the sun baking down, the life on the deck would exist only in first two hours of the Day 1. Bangladesh were needed to occupy the crease for just two hours.  But, the effect of playing too much of shorter-formats over the past few months was evident!

The Tigers lacked the courage to exploit their luck. As the day progressed, the track showed an uneven bounce and some turn for the spinners. But the damage was done earlier and Bangladesh failed to exhibit courage in the second innings.  

Lady luck favoured Shakib yet again in Jamaica. He won the toss, but astonishingly, he decided to bowl first with a team, which included just one pacer and three spinners! Shakib and Bangladesh think tank got the chance of rediscovering their lost courage, but in my opinion, they wasted it. They are still not awake from the nightmares at Antigua and that ‘43’ loomed large in the minds of captain and others.

The track at Jamaica had grass, but like Antigua, it subsided after first session. The deck is hard underneath and would provide the cracks to aid the spinners as the day progresses. So, batting in the fourth innings would be tough. So, ideally, batting first would have been the best option, but when a team is afraid to face the challenge and does not know how to exploit good luck, deserve to take the toll on the hot and humid day at Jamaica.

Bangladesh bowling was mediocre including Shakib. They struggled to pitch the ball on the right length – more on the shorter side rather than pitching it up. Even the line was more on middle and leg. In the third session, the track started to exhibit the tendency of variable bounce more often. But still, the Bangladesh bowlers could not breach the defence of West Indian batters or pressurize them.

Yet again, Shakib seemed to be inflicted by self-doubts and when a captain is in such a situation, the team, automatically struggle to get their act together. They missed an important review when Kraigg Brathwaite was on 98, who later on, notched-up a defiant hundred.  After Brathaite’s vigil, Shimron Hetmyer joined the party and attacked the Bangladeshi bowlers’ mediocre line-and-length.  

It was the same bowlers who performed brilliantly when Heath Streak was around and under the guidance of Chandika Hathurusingha, they were a bunch of fearless boys. But sadly, how things have changed since the departure of these two men! The struggle of this team knows no bound. 

The funda of Day 2 would be to restrict West Indies below 400, but if the Bangladesh captain and his bowlers don’t show the right temperament, it might prove to be another day to regret. 

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 13/07/2018 Bangladesh lack the courage to exploit luck

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

It’s time to wake up Shakib Al Hasan!

“Bangladesh and Test cricket demand Shakib to lead from the front”

On a track with a plenty of help for the pacers, Kemar Roach transformed into a demon. In the first session of Day 1 of first Test, Roach created havoc in the Bangladesh batting lineup. In the twinkle of an eye, Tamim Iqbal, Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim left the crease and it was up to the Bangladesh captain to lead from the front. But Shakib Al Hasan, who was appointed as the Test skipper last year, lasted for just two balls. He poked at a Roach-delivery, which was leaving him and thus started off his second stint as the Test skipper of Tigers with a duck! Within one hour, the visitors folded for just 43 runs!

Had he FIFA World Cup not been on the horizon, the Bangladesh cricket fraternity would have been under fire for sure! The Bangladesh critics and fans love their boys, but whenever such a disastrous display crops up, they don’t step back to take their heroes to the cleaners and that flawed genius Shakib has always been the target like Cristiano Ronaldo!

The criticism regarding the debacle on Day 1 was evident, but it failed to cross the limits of ugliness only because of the greatest show on earth, the twist and turn of which was more fascinating than the action at Antigua! The Shakib-bashing did not cross the threshold level, but still, it could be palpable and obviously, one expects the captain of the team to exhibit the character when the opposition is at the top of their game.

Shakib is intelligent and charismatic. He has a very sharp cricketing brain and in his heyday, he is able to run the show on his own. And when the matter is about exhibiting consistency, there is still no one in the Bangladesh team to hold a candle in front of the best allrounder in the world.

But at Antigua, he looked a helpless figure, who was searching for answers. As the day progressed and the sun baked down, one could witness a champion to melt down.  It was evident that the best in the business was not enjoying himself in the middle.

The track had uneven bounce, but he was seen unable to exploit those while those armers did not dish out like before. Yes, even a champion cricketer might have an off-day, but this cricketing world is pretty unforgiving about the captains and when the captain is the best allrounder in the world, well, none wishes to listen to any excuses. In the subcontinent, the scenario is not at all pretty and in case of the arrogant child, it’s too ugly!

Shakib cut a frustrating figure in the first Test and in a country like Bangladesh, where people just wait to crucify the best only to uplift the mediocre performers for the sake of self-benefits, Shakib just needs to wake up from the nightmare at Antigua and rediscover his mojo as early as possible.

Each and every team members watch towards the captain during the tough times and that’s where a captain needs to rise to the occasion. Shakib needs to act as a lighthouse for the Tigers. He needs to lead by an example.

Shakib may not relish playing Test matches these days, but the fact is, he is the Test captain in the best format of the game and the best format demands the best cricketer of the country to deliver the best. Bangladesh and Test cricket demand Shakib to lead from the front. As because, the success of Shakib in Tests mean the success of Tigers - a reality, which has been proved right time and again. 

It’s time to wake up Shakib Al Hasan!

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer on 11/07/2018 It’s time to wake up Shakib Al Hasan!

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Cristiano Ronaldo, I cannot say goodbye

Since I watched an old El Clasico match on VCR way back in early December 1990, when Bangladesh was engulfed by the euphoria of the downfall of an autocratic regime, I became a fan of the Los Blancos. Madrid won against Barca, and their display was electrifying enough to make me their fan alongside the Rossoneri, AC Milan.

Of curse, Milan will always be my first choice, but Madrid and their stars kept on attracting me and it only quenched the thirst of my passionate soul, but benefited Filmfare video as well. I was their grand customer – I don’t think I have missed any of the video cassettes related to soccer and cricket. I still have those recorded cassettes in my collection, but sadly they don’t work anymore.

Emilio Butrageuno, Hugo Sanchez, Michel and Bernhard Schuster were the heroes at Santiago Bernabeu back then. In came a Romanian named Gheorghe Hagi the next year, whose left-footed free-kicks were a treat for the eyes and then in the following seasons the likes of Roberto Carlos, Raul, Suker, Redando, Mijatovic, Seedorf, Fernando Hierro dominated the headlines alongside Romario, Ronaldo, Stoichkov, Rivldo, George Ueah, Roberto Baggio, Dennis Bergkamp, Alan Shearer, Luis Figo, Denilson, Zidane and others.

Barca had the Brazilians and automatically I should have been a Braca follower, but I just failed to do such. Madrid’s fluid football amalgamated with an attacking intent attracted me more. In the next decade, Madrid were a side studded with stars – Ronaldo Lima, Zinedine Zidane, Raul, Guti, David Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Ilker Casillas, Hierro, Luis Figo. Who would not pay their money and invest their time to watch them? The El Glacticos left and Kaka came in, but the Brazilian had always been shadow of AC Milan in Bernabeu.

In 2009, a youngster named Cristiano Ronaldo was bought by Madrid boss Perez from Manchester United. He was talented, but I feared whether he would be able to live up to the expectations of Madrid fans and of course, would he be able to overshadow the charismatic Argentine named Lionel Messi?

Time passed fast. The Portuguese did not disappoint the Madrid fans at all. In each match, he continued to unleash his talent either with a dead-leaf free-kick, a bicycle kick, mind-blowing dribbles from the left-flank or the banana shots. In each match, he seemed to be the fittest of all. The press tore him apart. The Messi followers trolled him brutally. But the Portuguese hardly cared about those. The flawed genius ran fast, breached the toughest of defences to score goals like it is the easiest of jobs in this planet.

The planet of football was forced to shower all the love he deserved at Bernabeu. The soccer Gods were forced to shower all the praises on him. He fought alone at times. He fought like a leader during Madrid’s darkest of periods. His smile never diminished. His celebrations were a hit. His presence was the brightest like the sun, which hid the stars at Camp Nou at more often. Cristiano Roanldo became the beloved child of Madrid fans. 

CR7’s departure is a reality and I have to accept it. An era has come to an end as it’s the period of transition and Madrid needs to build for the future. But at times, all those realities happening all around me, becomes hard to accept. The realistic person in me dies in a moment when I see a man named Cristiano Ronaldo – who gave me so much since 2009 wearing the shirt of Los Blancos, oh yes, it’s hard to accept.

I cannot say goodbye to CR7.

I can only thank him for all the astonishing moments he gifted me while playing in Madrid shirts.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar 

Brazil need to rebuild

For a Brazilian fan it is always hard to accept a defeat in a World Cup match. And when a Selecao fan witnesses the exit of Samba Boys from the knockout stages, it becomes tougher enough to overcome the depression, which exists for a long enough. The depression, time and again, shows it’s ugly face for the next four years until the next greatest show on earth arrives to give the fans a new hope. The memories of that disastrous result at Minero still haunt the Brazilian fans and this year, the fans expected, Brazil would bury the ghost of fours ago in Russia. But, this time, Belgium dashed the dreams at Kazan.

At the end of the match, I and the fans consoled themselves by stating, Brazil were beaten by a better side on the given day. But personally, I still failed to console myself, as it was hard to believe that a Brazil side failed despite hitting the target more than twenty times and could not score. The Brazilians simply outclassed the Belgian side in the second-half, but at the end of the day, had to return home empty handed.

I had high hopes about this team as because, since Tite took over from Carlos Dunga as the coach of Brazil, things started to turn around for the Samba Boys. He fixed a low-esteemed side into a competent unit, which lifted themselves up from rock bottom during the World Cup Qualifiers. Tite built a side which was destined to achieve greatness in Russia, but the reality was something else.

It’s time to rebuild for Selecao and Tite should continue as the coach. The kind of dynamism he injected in just one and half years, it can be expected, he would be instrumental in building the next generation – a team, which can complete the Hexa Mission in Qatar four years later.

Brazil must keep the faith in their system. They just need to do a bit of modification, but an overall change is not needed. Technically, the Brazilians were good, but temperamentally, they were found wanting and that’s where Tite is needed for the next generation of young talents available in Brazil pipeline.

Vinicius Junior, Malcolm, Fred, Richarlison, Luan, Arthur, Lincoln Henrique, Thiago Maia, Vitinho, Rodrygo Silva de Goes etc are some of the talents, which are ready to rock in upcoming days. In fact, there are others in Santos, Plameiras, Flamengo, Botafogo, Vasco etc.

These players alongside, Philippe Countinho, Gabriel Jesus and Casemiro would definitely help to unleash a new Brazil.

Brazil need to strengthen the temperamental state more. Throughout this decade, in the major tournaments, temperamentally, they were found wanting - a bit of press on their defence, the going gets tough. This cannot be Brazil at all. Their mental fragility was exposed even against Costa Rica.

Development of characters like Romario is much needed. When Romario arrived at Camp Nou in 1993, he said, he was the best and better than Cryuff. He not only said such, but proved with deeds. Brazil need players who would perform on the pitch rather than playing antics and of course, mentally would be very strong.

If Tite declines to continue, maybe someone like Rogerio Micale could be replaced. But still, Tite is the right man for the rebuilding process.

It’s time to move on.

Viva Brazil!

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Video: Bangladesh surrender disgracefully at Antigua

As soon as the first Test progressed, it looked dead after the first one hour of Day 1. Bangladesh were bundled out for just 43 in their first innings and never looked to make a comeback and thus lost disgracefully.

Deep Dasgupta, Arunabha Sengupta, Garfield Robinson and Faisal Caesar discuss the action of first test between West Indies and Bangladesh……

Note: This video has been published at Cricketsoccer on 08/07/2018 Video: Bangladesh surrender disgracefully at Antigua

Thank You
Faisal Caesar 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Brazil surrender at Kazan

The valley of death, Kazan arena

The Kazan arena witnessed the departure of World Champions Germany and Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Even though, in my opinion, Argentina’s departure was not something surprising as because they were a side with no plans and whatsoever. I was surprised, how could France digest three goals against such a below average side! In the other hand, Germany’s shocking defeat against South Korea will always remain a mystery for me. Since I started following soccer way back in 1988, I have not seen Germany play so poorly in a World Cup.

The Kazan effect? I don’t know. But as Jonathan Wilson wrote, “In years to come, when this stadium is a crumbling white elephant, they will sit in almost empty stands, hear the wind whisper across the marsh that surrounds it and believe what they hear is the ghosts of giants. In three games Kazan has claimed the winners of 11 World Cups”.

But on June 7, 2018, frankly speaking, I was not expecting Brazil to lose at Kazan against Belgium. With due respect to the Red Devils, it was quite unexpected that the Samba Boys would surrender against them. Without a doubt, Belgium are a very good side, but when we talk about Brazil, who have all the qualities to lift the trophy, definitely, Belgium might pose a threat, but they would not overcome the superiority of Samba Boys. To the astonishment of each and every soccer fans and billions of Brazil followers around the world, Roberto Martinez’s men weathered the Samba storm, which started after twenty minutes of the game and continued till the end, and advanced to the semifinals after 32 years!

A Brazil defeat in a World Cup knockout stage itself is a shock and takes the sheen-off the mega event as they are always the love of majority.

Why Brazil lost last night?

I think, first of all, the absence of Casemiro. Secondly, playing Marcelo instead of Felipe Luis. Thirdly, a Brazilian defence, which crumbled under pressure. Fourthly, lack of logical support from the referee and VAR. Fifthly, Thibaut Courtois.  And finally, Neymar’s failure to unleash his true-self when it was really required.  

Casemiro was hugely missed in that defensive midfield region. His replacement Fernandinho proved not only vulnerable, but also ended up scoring an own goal, which ultimately scripted Brazil’s fate. Neither could he guard Kevin de Bryune nor could he tackle brilliantly and win the ball back when Belgium pressed forward.

Meanwhile, why Tite opted for Marcelo instead of Felipe Luis remains a moot question. Romel Lukaku was playing deep and almost as a winger on the right and what Brazil left back required was to stay back as much as possible and not give Lukaku the spaces. When Lukaku ran forward to pass the ball to de Bruyne, Marcelo was seen inactive while Fernandinho was left clueless. De Bruyne received the ball and scored the second goal in a stunning fashion! Not even the aliens could stop Kevin, from that position, which was gifted by a Brazil defence, which was surprisingly devoid of 

composure.  

Two goals down and Brazil roared back. Tite brought on Firmino and Douglas Costa, which reignited the five-time champions. They shot the ball on target more than twenty times – some ricocheted in the box, but did not fall in the right place, some flew over the bar, some hit the woodwork, some passes from the angle did not meet the feet of the striker, while some were blocked by a goalkeeper of high-pedigree – Courtois. It seemed, Dino Zoff of Seville of 1982 was keeping last night.

It was the night, which required Brazil’s golden son Neymar to unleash the beast in him. But he was not there. He did attack, but that X-factor, which the likes of Pele, Garrincha, Romario or Ronaldo always exhibited on the big stage, was hugely missing. His PSG teammate Meuneir was even surprised by the average display of Brazil’s number 10 in such a crucial match.

Of course, Brazil did not have the sympathy or support, whatever words you use, of referee and VAR. That tackle of Vincent Kompany against Gabriel Jesus  should have been awarded a penalty, but throughout the tournament, neither VAR or the on-field referee showed any sort of supportive acts towards the Selecao. Perhaps, the hype created by media on Neymar’s histronics played a huge role in diminishing the sympathy.

Unlucky Brazil?

Above all, Brazil did not have the luck on their side last night. As Jonathan Wilson wrote, “What was really striking, though, was how dangerous Belgium were on the break. They rode their luck to an extent. Thiago Silva bundled an early corner against a post and Paulinho missed his kick when well-placed. Thibaut Courtois made a number of fine saves and bodies were put on the line again and again. But that was always likely to be the case. This, after all, is a Brazil side that had won 20 of their 25 games under Tite and were averaging more than two goals a game. Belgium were always going to have to endure and survive. But they also cut through Brazil over and over again”.

Brilliant Martinez

Belgian coach Roberto Martnez deserves a lot of credit for handling the pressure and switching to 4-3-3 from his usual 3-4-3 formation. His utilisation of de Bruyne as a false nine paid rich dividends and whenever his men found the spaces on the break, they used pace to outweigh the opponents. Lukaku dropped deep and why not? There was a left-back named Marcelo, who left the left-flank wide open because of his less-profitable adventurous approach on the up.   

Conclusion

Brazil are out of the World Cup and it’s a fact. A reality, which would take time to accept for me and many fans out there. This time around, they were well prepared, but they would return home without completing the mission HEXA!

Thank You

Faisal Caesar