the bigger Red Dragons out-roared the Bhutan's Dragon Boys

In the clash of the two dragons, the bigger Red Dragons out-roared the Dragon Boys when the People’s Republic of China thrashed the Bhutanese team 12-0 at the He Long Stadium, Changsha, Hunan in China, yesterday.

The on-field massacre started as soon as the whistle blew with the Chinese getting their first look at goal less than 30 seconds into the game. Defender Mei Fang scored the first goal in the ninth minute opening the floodgates for 11 more in the next 80 minutes.

Weaving through the Bhutanese defense, striker Yang Xu and partner Yu Dabao scored four and two goals each respectively. Striker Yu Hanchao and substitute Wang Yongpo also scored two goals each and midfielder Zhang Xizhe also registered his name on the score sheet.

The intention was clear, China wanted to score early, and score as many goals as possible in the race to the top of the table, currently held by Qatar with 15 points.

The game plan of the Bhutanese players was unclear. A defensive approach did not work against the much faster and taller Chinese players. The wet and slippery pitch added to the carnage as Bhutanese goalie Hari Gurung could not get a proper grip on the ball.

The home advantage was clearly evident in the game play of the Chinese players. With 67 to 37 percent ball possession, China dominated throughout the 90 minutes with their speed and physique, rampaging over their physically inferior opponents. The miss passes and hasty play from the Dragon Boys clearly showed that the pressure was immense.

The Bhutanese players could attempt only three shots to 39 shots for China, with an on-target shot of 24 to zero for Bhutan. The Chinese made a total of 709 passes to Bhutan’s 231.

With a game in hand, the win maintains China’s position at the third place in Group C of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers with 10 points. Hong Kong defeated Maldives 1-0 in the other game yesterday to retain their position at the second with 13 points.

Bhutan will host Qatar in their second last game of this round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on November 17 at the Changlimithang stadium.

Source: Kuenselonline

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Bhutan, GPL Best Manager of Fantasy English Premier League 2015-2016 season

Gelephu Premier League..... (GPL) road to the champion for an award of Best Manager of Fantasy English Premier League 2015-2016 season. All the Best to all the Manager.

Picture Source: Karma CK, Facebook.

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Nation comes together to celebrate the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s unparalleled legacy

The whole Nation came together to celebrate the unparalleled legacy of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Thousands of people, dressed in their finest attire, thronged Changlimethang stadium in Thimphu to celebrate the 60th Birth Anniversary of the Druk Gyalpo.

His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo was born on this day in 1955 at the Dechencholing Palace in Thimphu.

People started pouring in at the stadium as early as 5 AM, today. The event began with His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo being ushered in at the Stadium in traditional chipdrel ceremony.

The sacred occasion was made even more special with presence of His Majesty the King accompanied by Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen. Their Majesties the Queen Mothers and members of the Royal Family were also present.

The momentous occasion saw His Majesty the King, along with the people gathered at the stadium, offering Zhabten to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo for His Majesty’s eternal well-being and long life.

As part of the celebration, people from all walks of life, from Dzongkhags as far as Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar, presented cultural and entertainment programmes.

Source: BBS

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Bhutan's Dragon's Boys clash with Giant Dragon, China in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

The National Football Team is fully prepared to face the giant dragon, China, at Helong Stadium in Changsha, at 5:30 PM local time. This is the second match for the two teams for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. China had won the first game, 6-0 at the Changlimithang stadium, in Thimphu. The team reached China, yesterday.

Our reporter, Yeshey Gyeltshen, who is following the Dragon Boys, says the squad of 23 players is working hard, right from the crack of the dawn.

The team will not need acclimatization as the weather in Changsha is quite similar to that of Thimphu, says our reporter.

The challenge, however, will be from the opposition team, who will not only have the home ground advantage, but having lost their previous match to Qatar, will not want the same results.

But, the Bhutanese players say they are ready.

The team will be led to the ground by striker, Chencho Gyeltshen. Chencho says he wishes to score in every single match, this one included.

“It’s a big responsibility having people expecting and relying on me to score. And it’s my job, as a striker, to score goals.”

The bigger boost for the team has come in the form of the head coach. Players say having a Bhutanese head coach has boosted the team’s morale.

“With the change of coach, I believe the attitude of the team has changed. It has made easier for us to discuss our views with the coach and plan accordingly for the next game,” said Midfielder, Karun Gurung.

The team’s new head coach, Pema admits tomorrow’s match will be a tough one, but says the results cannot be predicted.

“They have new players in the team. But we are ready, tactically, technically, and physically,” he said.

Source: BBS

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Bhutan to have an heir, His Majesty announces

Bhutanese, in the country and across the world, were treated to exciting news when His Majesty the King announced that Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema is expecting a prince.

The packed Changlimethang stadium in Thimphu burst into a huge applause when His Majesty said their Majesties are expecting a son.

“From my side and from Jetsun’s side, this is a gift to the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. I am about to be a father. Both, Jetsun and I, are happy,” His Majesty told the people gathered.

His Majesty said his son will be the country’s son. “Even though our son is yet to be born, I consider him lucky. Our country is peaceful, happy, and secure. Everything is perfect.” His Majesty said it is His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo who worked tirelessly to get the nation to where it is today.

His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo made an appearance at Changlimethang.

Scores of people, from all walks of life, had gathered at the stadium to celebrate the 60th Birth Anniversary of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.

His Majesty the Fifth King, in his speech to the nation, said today was an extraordinary day and that he was happy to see many people celebrate the day in the country and elsewhere.

His Majesty reminded people of all the services the Fourth Druk Gyalpo has rendered to the Nation. He said the Fourth Druk Gyalpo has always stressed on the rule of law and its significance to the Nation.

Source: BBS

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China Vs Bhutan on November 12, 2015

A local head coach will lead the Bhutanese squad on November 12 for the game against China at the He Long Stadium in Changsha, Hunan province.

Although Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) has not decided on who should be leading the team, both Chokey Nima and Pema are on the top of the list for the role of the head coach.

There are unofficial reports linking the former Pune FC coach, Karim Bencherifa to be the new coach of Bhutan. However, BFF officials said nothing is confirmed on hiring  new coach.

Chokey Nima, the man who delivered the nation’s first historic win against Sri Lanka in the first round of the World Cup qualifier, may once again head the team against China. The technical director with the federation is currently heading the under-19 national team.

Another option is Pema, the interim head coach who took over the team after the premature departure of the Japanese coach. Pema who gave a new hope to the team during the game against Hong Kong on Tuesday might as well be likely option for the federation.

After the performance of the squad under him that stunned the Hongkongers on the home ground, Pema might once again lead the team in China. He had been serving as the assistant coach during the whole qualification rounds.

Meanwhile, as a gesture of appreciation BFF has announced that each member of the squad would be given a sum of Nu 25,000 each on the “brilliant performance” delivered by the players against Hong Kong. The news was first broken on the federations’ Facebook page after the match.

The team also received a cake from Their Majesties on the eve of Their Majesties’ fourth wedding anniversary on Tuesday.

Source: Kuenselonline

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Bhutan Lost to Hong Kong 0-1 in home ground Changlimethang

Hong Kong Celebrate the Goal

Bhutan was three minutes short of securing its first point in the World Cup qualifiers in their fifth game against Hong Kong at the Changlimithang stadium yesterday.

If the thin air made it difficult for the Hongkongers, the rain that lashed for almost an hour made it difficult for the visitors to suppress the Dragon Boys like they did in the first leg in June. The physically taller and stronger players could not outpace the Bhutanese at home for much part of the game.

Led by a new head coach and skipper, Bhutan played a defensive game for the first 15 minutes.

The match saw equal opportunities created by both the teams to break the deadlock with both sides gaining equal possession of the game.

The strike-duo of Godfred Karikari and James Mckee, who terrorised the Bhutanese defence in June, created some trouble for goalie Hari Gurung in the beginning but Hari was equal to the challenge making some remarkable saves.

However, in the 89th minute, striker Chan Sui Ki’s header from defender Cheung Kin Fung’s corner kick finally broke the stiff Bhutanese resilience and broke the heart of the fans who braved the cold and the rain to cheer their team. Hari has come out to punch the ball to safety, but was too short for Sui Ki who left the keeper punching the cold air.

Bhutan’s interim head coach Pema said that the strategy was to defend for the first 15 minutes and then go on full attack, taking the advantage of the altitude.  “We gave our best today. We wanted to win and dedicate it to Their Majesties on their fourth Royal wedding anniversary,” he said. “Unfortunately we couldn’t win but we gave our best till the end.”

Skipper Karun Gurung said that they adopted “zonal marking”, a defensive strategy where defenders cover an area of the pitch rather than marking a specific opponent. “This strategy worked perfectly until the 89th minute,” he said. “We played typical Bhutanese game, we’ll get back stronger for the next remaining games.”

Hong Kong’s head coach Kim Pan-Gon said that the rain and the high altitude was the main factor that prevented his team from scoring more goals.

“We lost several goal scoring opportunities because of the rain and the cold and small mistakes from our players,” the South Korean coach said. “But we overcame this difficulty and we’re going with three important points.”

The head coach credited the Bhutanese team for their “excellent performance.” He said Bhutan has improved a lot and he admired the attitude and passion of the players. “With more practise, the team will just get better,” he said.

Hong Kong retains its second position in Group C with the 10 points while Bhutan is rooted at the bottom without a point.

Source: Kuenselonline

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Bhutan Head coach Norio wanted to leave BFF

Bhutan Head Coach: Nario Tsukitate

Head coach Norio Tsukitate was released from his duties with effect from yesterday, after a disagreement between the coach and the manager of the team broke midway through the Bhutan-Maldives game on Thursday.

Bhutan Football Federation’s (BFF) president, Ugen Tsechup Dorji said that the expulsion of the Japanese coach by BFF at half time of the game as mentioned in the social networking sites was ‘absolutely untrue.’

The president said that without any prior consultation with the federation the coach decided own his own to leave the team. He said that while he was heading towards the locker room to congratulate the Bhutanese team, he walked into the Japanese coach who was bidding farewell to the players.

“It came to me as a surprise when I saw the coach wishing the players good luck for their future and saying that he was leaving,” the president said.

Ugen Tsechup Dorji said that it is ‘totally unacceptable’ in any profession, to step back from your responsibility midway through an important task. “You are the national coach of the team, it is your responsibility for the better or worst, to be there with the team till the end,” he said. “If he had some issues with management, that is to be left after the game was over. As a professional person he had to see the game through.”

Meanwhile, coach Norio who was at his residence saddened by the incident, told Kuensel that he was asked to leave by the manager of the team after they had an argument. “The vice-president of the federation told me to leave, that is official enough for me to leave the team,” said the coach. “As the head coach I have the control of the game, change players and positions, Hishey was trying to take over my responsibility.”

The coach said that although he did not receive any letter from BFF on his eviction, he said after taking to the Japan Football Association (JFA) on the whole matter, the association have asked him to return. “I have no work here, there is no more training, I’ll return to my family soon,” he said.

The head coach defended his team selection and player positions in the game against Maldives. Tshering Dorji, a midfielder in the squad was put in the front on Thursday. “Tshering is weak on defence, I thought if I placed him in the strike he would have to only control the ball and shoot, which he is good at,” said that coach.

The coach added that Karma Shedrup Tshering was not put in the first 11 because of his busy schedule. The former skipper who is also a pilot with the national airlines couldn’t make it for most of the practise sessions with the team said that coach. “Hishey was insisting me on putting Karma in, I believe they are family,” he said.

However, the president said that as the head coach, he had the control over the team and whether to listen to the manager’s suggestions was solely on him. “It’s how you take it, nobody can order the head coach during the course of the match, he’s the in-charge of the game,” he said.

He also added that there’s a distinct difference in the role of the manager and the vice-president. “Hishey Tshering was there not as the vice-president of the federation but as the manager of the team,” he said. “The verbal order that might have exchanged between the two during the game was not an official order, its just an excuse he had used.”

BFF’s general secretary, Ugyen Wangchhuk said that the general public have the notion that the federation fired the coach but in reality he himself wanted to leave. “We could have sorted the problem in a much better way had he informed us about the problem, instead he decided to remain silent and took the decision himself. This clearly shows he wanted to go,” said the GS.

One of the players on the squad said players had developed a good understanding with the coach. “He was a good coach and we learned a lot,” he said. “But nothing is important than the team, BFF might have taken this decision for the betterment of the team.”

Meanwhile, the Japan Football association wants to study the case in detail.

Norio Tsukitate is the fourth Japanese coach who was sent through a memorandum of understanding between BFF and JFA. The 55-year-old coach took over the national team in March this year.

For the game against Hong Kong on October 13, assistant coach Pema will be taking in-charge of the Bhutanese team.

Source: Kuenselonline

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Bhutan beated by Maldives 4-3 in World Cup Qualifiers

Tshering Dorji, in the 83rd minute took advantage of a chaos inside the penalty box. A thumping shot into an empty post opened the score sheet for the Dragon boys. The suit followed after three minutes when Chencho Gyeltshen, running past the Maldivian defenders, sent a low attempt to the back of the net. The third goal was scored by Biren Basnet when Chencho’s attempt rebounded after hitting the woodwork.

Despite Bhutan’s impressive performance and ending the team’s goal drought, Bhutan could not end its losing streak in the world cup qualifier.

The Maldives emerged triumphant over Bhutan by 4 goals to 3.

Bhutan conceded early goal as usual. The Maldives scored the first goal in 11 minutes. They further stretched their lead in 23rd and 33rd minutes without any reply from the Bhutanese side in the first half.

A goal converted from penalty in the second half by the Maldives seemed to have extinguished Bhutan’s hope for comeback. But the drama unfolded towards the end of the second half as Bhutan rattled the Maldives defense and scored three goals within seven minutes.

Bhutan’s desperately tried to equalize the match in the last minute but the Maldives resisted Bhutan’s attack till the final whistle of the game.

Source: BBS

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