Bangladesh keen to put up a fight against Australia in Perth

Bangladesh have adopted a realistic strategy for their World Cup qualifier against Australia to put up a good fight against the top team of Asia.

The 2018 Russia World Cup qualifying match is set to kick off at 5pm BdST at nib Stadium in Perth on Thursday.

Bangladesh coach Lodewijk de Kruif is aware of the challenge facing them.

"We are very happy to have the chance to play this match. We have a lot of ambition, we have a lot of ideas in Bangladesh to improve football," he told reporters on Thursday.

"Of course, [Australia] are No.1 in Asia, a very good team with a lot of experience, and with many of their good players having the experience of playing in Europe, we are the absolute underdogs.”

Asian Cup champions Australia, who are ranked 61 by Fifa, have played in the four World Cup finals.

Despite the gulf in experience and achievement on world stage, 170th placed Bangladesh are ready to take on the Socceroos in their backyard without fear.

"We have our tactics, we have analysed the opponents very well. We will start our match very motivated and eager to get a good result," the Dutchman said.

"You have to consider that in football anything can happen," he added.

Bangladesh can take heart from Australia's tie against Kyrgyzstan. Ange Postecoglou's men had to fight to edge 156th placed Kyrgyzstan 2-1 in the match in June.

"I watched the game against Kyrgyzstan. They made it very tough for Australia in that match… My players are not afraid, they have respect, but they are not coming as tourists."

Bangladesh captain Mamunul Islam believes his team will put up a good fight.

"Everyone knows that Australia's level is the sky. But the Bangladesh team will fight. It's a good match ... this match is very important for Bangladesh," he said.

"It's exciting, not scary. Football is a game of 11 v 11."

Bangladesh lost to Kyrgyzstan 3-1 before a one-all draw with Tajikistan in their last two matches. Kruif's men are fifth in Group B standings with one point in the Asian qualifiers. 
Tajikistan are ahead of Bangladesh on goal difference.

Jordan top the group with three points while Kyrgyzstan and Australia, who have three points each as well, are second and third on goal difference.