Bangladesh have been crowned winners of the Inner London Football League for the second time.
An astonishing final saw the Tigers beat Nigeria 6-2 in the final.
It was an extraordinary day for an exceptional team.
There's something quite brilliant about participating in a World Cup, with no commercial duties, responsibilities and expectations. The squad was carefree - All we had to do was focus on matters on the field.
I took the precious little time we had before stepping into the cauldron to welcome everyone and talk through tactics. The onus of responsibility and the heightened sense of expectation was placed deliberately and firmly upon the shoulders of the sixteen man squad, of which each playing member was capable of starting any of our games.
And did they deliver in style, setting a precedent that will become the benchmark for all future winners of this prestigious grassroots tournament.
The early group games commenced with Bangladesh facing Nigeria and it was the past champions who drew first blood by taking a 2-0 lead into half time courtesy of Sadiq Ahmed and Ahbab Hussain.
A talented and ultra fit Nigeria turned the screw in the second half and came back strong with three goals to completely turn the game on its head.
The introduction of Gulzar Hussain enabled the wingers to exploit the flanks and Abul Hasnath (Polash) skipped in to level the game at 3-3. More importantly, an astonishing double save from the heroic Helal Uz Zaman was critical in Bangladesh avoiding defeat.
With a challenging first game out of the way the second group fixture against Turkiye was a smoother affair as Team Bangladesh used their on field familiarity and composure to exert their influence across the pitch.
Ash Khan and Abdul Muquith Dipon were durable at the back and a resounding 6-1 victory was the outcome. Two goals from Hashu Miah and Polash set the ball rolling with Ahbab and Sadiq completing the win.
The third game against tournament favourites Portugal was a tight affair. With captain Abdul Wahid instrumental Bangladesh took a comfortable two goal lead through Sadiq and Hashu before the dangerous Portuguese pulled one back.
Stout defending from the outstanding Emranul Hoque alongside Aminur Rahman and the strong forward hold up play of Abdul-Kaium Ali were key features of the game as Bangladesh progressed to the semi finals to face World Cup holders Colombia.
The last four encounter was a marked display of the winning temperament and camaraderie within the squad as for the first time in the tournament Bangladesh fell behind to an early goal.
A test of character was in order but Bangladesh remained patient in possession and belief and a succession of three quick substitutions resulted in three goals.
Wahid converted from the spot as Colombia conceded a penalty. Hashu changed the game with a crucial second and the indomitable Shiblu Miah wrapped up an impressive 3-1 win with a rasping drive.
After a very short break it was time for the hair raising experience of the national anthems. A couple of minutes of reflection and we were all set to go.
The final was a spectacle and the greatest this competition has seen as Bangladesh romped home 6-2 against a very competent Nigerian team.
The Super Eagles had seen off England in the semi finals on penalties and faced the Tigers in a repeat of their first group game.
The resounding win saw Bangladesh take an outstanding 4-0 lead into the half time break courtesy of Polash, Wahid (pen), Kaium and Hashu.
The opposition came back strong and just like the first head to head, the Eagles scored two quick fire second half goals in a minute to completely open up the final.
Bangladesh had learnt from that first encounter and Ruhul Amin (Alamin) scored a crucial fifth to add breathing space. The nippy winger sealed a historic win with a sixth.
Abdul Hanif and Hassan Abdullah came on to join Wahid as double World Cup winners.
Bangladesh dominance during the game allowed every single squad member to be rotated throughout the final.
Tigers captain Wahid lifted the World Cup amidst jubilant scenes as we gratefully retained the crownwe last won in 2018.
World Cup co-ordinator Nanu Miah commented, “Today we have witnessed another historic day as we bought together and used football as a spectacle to showcase the very best of our communities here in Britain. We are proud to have united our communities. Well done Bangladesh - This great event will inspire many people young and old.”
Inner London Football League Chairman Rashid Ali added, “A magnificent achievement by the two time winners and respect and all credits are reserved for the head coach, the backroom team and the players for entertaining us all with dazzling football throughout the day - You are all worthy winners.“
My personal thoughts as Head Coach are this result is right up there with the very best and it was a day where Bangladesh were brilliant, playing a mouthwatering brand of football oozing class and sophistication from start to finish.
We displayed sportsmanship, resilience and positivity throughout. This is a squad which takes community responsibility very seriously and we hope this triumph will inspire and benefit numerous people in numerous ways.
I want to thank my players and my management team for winning with style and dignity. A special mention to Berti (Abdul Basit - Northern Scout and Team Bangladesh management) who couldn't make it on the day. I hope to bring the trophy up to you to celebrate in person.
Thank you to the Inner London Football League and chairman Rashid Ali for having the faith to hand me leadership of this distinguished and exceptional team. There are so many outstanding and far better candidates out there so it's been an honour taking charge of such a phenomenal cluster of talented ballers.
Through the tournament all conquering Bangladesh remained unbeaten, conceding 8 and scoring a record breaking 18 goals - Polash and Hashu were joint top scorers with four goals each.
The lads who made up the squad are rather special and steeped in the ways of selfless community service. Apart from being outstanding footballers they have spent the best part of their lives helping those in need.
Football has transformative powers and the unique ability to bring people together and create positive change. It is a powerful tool in addressing some of society's most pressing issues and through various initiatives is making a difference in the lives of people, offering them hope, empowerment, and a path to societal reintegration.
Well done boys!
Team Bangladesh:
Management team: Emdad Rahman MBE (Head Coach), Muhammed Nashir (Assistant Manager) - Hassan Abdullah - Abdul Aziz - Abdul Basit - Jakir Ahmed - Abdul Hakim
Helal Uz Zaman - Abdul Hanif - Ashrafur Khan - Abdul Muquith (Dipon) - Emranul Hoque - Abdul Wahid - Gulzar Hussain - Ruhul Amin (Alamin) - Abul Hasnath (Polash) - Sadiq Ahmed - Aminur Rahman - Hashu Miah - Ahbab Hussain - Abdul - Kaium Ali - Shiblu Miah - Hassan Abdullah
