Sports Desk: The Bangladesh national football team has scripted an incredible chapter in football history during their very first outing on European soil.
The Red and Green brigade defeated hosts San Marino 2-1 in a FIFA international friendly at the San Marino Stadium (Stadio Olimpico di Serravalle).
With this sensational victory, Bangladesh secured their first-ever win against a European nation in the country’s football history.
The historic triumph also marked a memorable debut for Bangladesh’s newly appointed head coach, Thomas Dooley. Experienced defender Tapu Barman emerged as the ultimate hero of the match, netting a brilliant brace.
Going into the match, Bangladesh (ranked 181st) held a paper advantage over San Marino (ranked 211th), but playing in unfamiliar European conditions posed a unique challenge.
However, a large number of expatriate Bangladeshi fans gathered in the stands to loudly cheer on Hamza, Tapu, and the rest of the squad.
Coach Dooley opted to leave Samit Som out of the starting XI, and despite the presence of veteran keeper Anisur Rahman Zico, the coach trusted Mitul Marma under the woodwork.
After a cagey start, Bangladesh launched their first major attack in the 17th minute, but Jamal Bhuyan’s shot inside the box was blocked by the opposition defense.
The historic breakthrough came just two minutes later, in the 19th minute. Rising high to meet a pinpoint cross from Shekh Morsalin from the right flank, Tapu Barman sent a flying header into the back of the San Marino net.
This marked Bangladesh’s first-ever goal against a European team on European soil.
However, the joy of the lead lasted only 14 minutes. In the 31st minute, San Marino struck back on a counter-attack. Nicolas Giacopetti beat goalkeeper Mitul Marma to equalize for the hosts after receiving a pass from Filippo Berardi.
Bangladesh had a golden opportunity to restore their lead in the 37th minute, but Saad Uddin fired the ball over the crossbar with only the keeper to beat, leaving the teams tied 1-1 at halftime.
Coach Dooley tweaked his tactics during the break, making three substitutions at once, including bringing on Samit Som for captain Jamal Bhuyan.
The tactical shift paid off as Bangladesh dominated the second half, creating multiple scoring opportunities.
The decisive moment came in the 86th minute, and it was Tapu Barman once again who came to the rescue. Following a brilliant free-kick from Hamza Choudhury, Bishwanath Ghosh delivered a superb volley into the danger zone, where Tapu clinical nodded it home to send the San Marino net rattling.
The stunning goal put Bangladesh 2-1 ahead, marking Tapu’s second goal of the night and his eighth international goal overall.
As the final whistle blew, thousands of Bangladeshi fans in the stadium erupted in celebration. Overcoming all odds, Bangladesh proudly hoisted the Red and Green flag on European soil courtesy of Tapu’s heroics.