‘Your energy was unbelievable’: Dooley hails fans after historic win

Thomas Dooley's first match in charge of Bangladesh ended with a historic victory, but it was not only the result that left the newly-appointed coach impressed.

After Bangladesh secured a memorable 2-1 win over San Marino in a FIFA friendly, Dooley paid tribute to the thousands of Bangladesh supporters who turned up to cheer the men in red and green at the San Marino Stadium, saying their backing played a crucial role in the landmark triumph.

"What an incredible night in San Marino," Dooley wrote on Facebook.

"A 2-1 win for Bangladesh, and a performance full of fight, belief, and heart.

"But I want to say a special thank you to the thousands of Bangladesh supporters who were there with us. Your energy was unbelievable."

The travelling supporters, many of whom made the journey from different parts of Italy and across Europe, created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the contest and erupted in celebration when veteran defender Topu Barman headed home the opener in the first half and also the winner late in the game.

Dooley felt the players drew strength from the crowd throughout the match.

"From the first minute until the final whistle, your voices, your passion, and your constant support gave the team extra strength," he wrote.

"In difficult moments, you helped us keep fighting. In important moments, you pushed us forward. And in the end, this victory belongs to all of us.

"The players felt your support for the full 90 minutes, and it made a real difference."

The victory itself was historic on several fronts. Bangladesh registered their first-ever win against European opposition, doing so in their first international match on European soil. It also handed Dooley a winning start to his tenure after taking charge of the national team last month.

When he was unveiled as Bangladesh coach, Dooley had spoken about the kind of football he wanted his side to play. "I love to play football. I don't like to chase football," he had said.

Those words appeared to take shape in San Marino.

Bangladesh lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, a system rarely used by the national team in recent years. Rather than adopting a cautious approach against physically stronger opposition, the visitors showed greater attacking intent and looked willing to take the game to their opponents whenever opportunities arose.

Although San Marino enjoyed more possession early on, Bangladesh struck first in the 19th minute when Sheikh Morsalin's cross found Topu, who rose highest to score Bangladesh's first-ever goal on European soil.

The hosts equalised through Nicolas Giacopetti in the 31st minute, but Bangladesh continued to create chances. Dooley's second-half substitutions injected fresh energy into the side, with the visitors going close on multiple occasions before Topu delivered the decisive blow.

Four minutes from time, Hamza Choudhury's free-kick was volleyed back into the danger area by Bishwanath Ghosh, allowing Topu to power home his second header of the night and seal a famous victory.

The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Bangladesh faithful, scenes that clearly resonated with the coach.

"Thank you for being so passionate. Thank you for your belief. Thank you for standing behind Bangladesh football," Dooley wrote.

"Together, we keep moving mountains."

For a Bangladesh side, ranked 181st in the world and playing against an opponent who usually face much stronger sides, it was a night of history. For Dooley, it was also a reminder of the passionate support the national team can command far from home -- support that, in his own words, made "a real difference" on a landmark evening in San Marino.