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2006 FIFA World Cup 2nd leg: 

Lanka take on Turkmenistan today

by Bernard Perera

Sri Lanka take on Turkmenistan in the second leg of their 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany preliminary round game at Sugathadasa stadium today. Kick off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

In the first leg played in Turkmenistan Sri Lanka lost to hosts 2 goals to nil. The visitors come for this game with a good record and will go flat out to maintain their supremacy.

Sri Lanka on the other hand made a strong come back when they drew 2-2 with Indonesia few weeks ago in the same qualifying round. Earlier Sri Lanka lost to Indonesia 1-0 and again lost to Saudi Arabia also by the same margin.

The Indonesians came for the second game with high hopes of defeating Lankans to have a better record. The improved Lankan soccerites put up a gallant show and held the strong Indonesians. Today too the Lankans who play in their home turf are sure to prove that they are improving with every game.

According to coach Sampath Perera the team is with a good morale, and ready to give their best in this game too."

He said that the team will have a few changes as two players M. W. Azmir and Rajitha who received yellow cards in the previous game have to be kept out. Meanwhile, striker E. B. Channa will be a non-starter for this game due to an injury. These details were disclosed at a press briefing held at the Football House last Tuesday.

It was also revealed that the FFSL had to pay a fine of 10,000 Francs as fine imposed on players for receiving Yellow cards in the earlier games of the qualifying rounds. Manilal Fernando, Chairman, Management Committee, said that the Lankan players have improved immensely with many international games played during the recent past.

He said earlier our players were used to giving up the game once the opponents got the lead. But now they have realised that goals can be scored even at the last stages of the game to win or to draw.

They did it in the last game against Indonesia holding them to a 2-all draw. The Lankans scored their two goals against Indonesians in the 80th and 81st minute.

This not only helped them to boost their morale but also thrilled the spectators. He requested the players not to indulge in any rough play as this is a costly thing to both players and the team.Sri Lanka will travel to Saudia Arabia to play the next game in this qualifying round which is scheduled for November 17.

Led by Dudley Steinwall, they will go all out to display their skills today against Turkmenistan.

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