'I didn't know much about San Marino before coming here': Bishwanath

Bangladesh defender Bishwanath Ghosh may not have known much about San Marino before arriving for Friday's FIFA friendly, but he has learned enough to dismiss any significance attached to the hosts' low FIFA ranking, saying Bangladesh's priority is to produce a good performance and leave the pitch with a victory.

Bangladesh will face San Marino at 11:00 pm (Bangladesh time) in what will be their first match under newly appointed US-German coach Thomas Dooley.

Despite San Marino being ranked 211th in the world, 30 places below Bangladesh's 181st position, Bishwanath believes their regular exposure to stronger European opposition makes them a formidable opponent.

"I did not have any idea about San Marino, but I have learned about them after coming here. They usually play against the big teams of Europe, that's why their ranking may be on the low," Bishwanath said in an audio message sent by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).

"Rather than looking at their FIFA ranking, we should look at their performance. We should focus on how we can perform against them. Whatever it is, we want to deliver an enjoyable display and leave the ground with a victory."

The match will mark Bangladesh's first meeting with a European opponent in 25 years. The national team last faced European sides during the Sahara Cup in India in 2001, suffering a 4-1 defeat to FR Yugoslavia and a 2-0 loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

While Bangladesh are more accustomed to facing Asian opposition, Bishwanath feels the clash against San Marino will provide valuable experience.

"Playing against San Marino is going to be a good experience for us because we usually play against Asian teams," said the Bashundhara Kings defender.

The fixture will also offer the first glimpse of Bangladesh under Dooley, who had only four training sessions with the squad before travelling to San Marino and conducting a couple of additional sessions there.

Bishwanath said the players are working to adapt to the new coach's tactical ideas and philosophy.

"We trained together for the first time on Wednesday since the camp started. Whatever training he (Dooley) is conducting is good and we all are enjoying the training. We are also trying to adopt his formation and philosophy. Let's see in the match how well we can perform on the ground," he said.

Bishwanath's comments are backed by San Marino's recent results in the 2025 FIFA World Cup qualifiers which included a narrow 1-0 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, alongside losses to Austria (4-0), Cyprus (4-0) and Romania (7-1). The match, hence, offers a tremendous opportunity for the men in red and green to gauge themselves against a European nation.