‘Bangladesh will play in the World Cup one day’

Ashraful Islam Rana commonly known as Ashraful Rana, is a retired Bangladeshi professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

He last played for Bangladesh Premier League club Brothers Union and also represented the Bangladesh National Football team from 2015 to 2022. Rana is currently Goalkeeping Coach of Bangladesh National Football team.

Rana joined the Bangladesh Army in 2003 and played numerous local tournaments for the Bangladesh Army Football team over the next decade and more.

He started his professional league career with Mohammedan SC in 2015, after leaving his job in the Bangladesh Army.

Having made his Bangladesh Premier League debut at the age of 27, Rana became a regular face with both the club and country within a year.

Rana thinks there is no shortage of football talent in Bangladesh. All that is needed is planned care, modern training and adequate facilities.

If these are ensured, Bangladesh will also be able to make it to the World Cup one day.

Rana said, “Modern facilities must be ensured for the players.

If the government, industrial institutions and wealthy individuals of the society come forward to develop football, the future of the country’s football will be brighter.”

He said, “A safe and healthy sports environment must be created for children and adolescents. Local administration and conscious people of the society should also play a role in this.”

Reflecting on his football experience, the former star goalkeeper said, “The village where I grew up did not have a suitable field to play in. I had to go to Dhaka to play sports due to lack of adequate opportunities in Manikganj.

I want the next generation of players to develop into good quality footballers from their own districts. For this, every district needs good quality fields and an effective club system.”

He said, “Like the rest of the world, there is a festive frenzy among the people of this country regarding the World Cup. Even as a player, there is a frenzy within me.

I have always been a supporter of Argentina. I think that along with this, Spain, Germany, France and England will play well in this World Cup.

However, at the end of the day, the results will be in favour of those who play well on the field as football teams. I hope we will see a good World Cup this time.”

The former goalkeeper of Bangladesh National Football team also expressed his excitement about the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

He said, “A festive atmosphere has been created in Bangladesh like the rest of the world around the World Cup. Although I am personally a supporter of Argentina, I also see Spain, Germany, France and England as potentially strong teams.”