"We have the motivation. The coach wanted to take some technical advantage by dropping nine regular players against India and I feel that the result of that game is satisfactory. We will use that advantage in the semifinal," said Bangladesh captain Arif Khan Joy yesterday.

"In the last SAFF tournament, we wanted India in the final but had to face them in the semis. This time around, the same thing is happening although we did not think we would be playing the hosts in the semis," the midfielder said.

"The idea of playing Pakistan on their home ground in the month of victory has inspired the team members. We feel like giving some extra efforts due to this. We are really inspired to give our best tomorrow because the Liberation War in 1971 is pride for us and shame for them. We want to use this spirit to go into the final. People at home are waiting anxiously. They know we are playing Pakistan and they will watch the game on TV. We are going through a crisis back home and if we lose now, they won't forgive us."

Joy thinks the expectation would not be a pressure. "We are always expected to win trophies at this level and the team is well prepared for winning.

"Pakistan are a tough side under a foreign coach. They have trained long and would want to utilise home conditions. But as a team we are stronger than them. We have also been playing good football. I think we are the more spirited side."

The skipper also warned his boys against complacency of over-confidence. "We have a lot of matured footballers with big match temperament. They can understand what a knockout game is like. Still we will have a players' meeting tomorrow after breakfast where the coach would not be allowed. We will decide about our roles and duties.

"Pakistan are speedy and can last full 90 minutes. The are more physical than us but we have better players in each position. The most important thing is that we have more match winners. Our strikers are consistent and in addition to that, we have players like Alfaz, Arman and Matiur Munna. Any one can strike in the nick of time.

"Also, we have a striker like Emily among the reserves and he has proved that he can score from any position. The way he played against India, he has proved that he is a class act and knocking at the doors to be a regular in the team. He worked hard and got the equaliser for us. I praise his nerves. Scoring over the goalkeepers' heads under pressure is not an easy task.

"I felt that India were trying to avoid Maldives in the semis. They used a full strength team but not only they failed to beat us but also had a player sent off. We really damaged their spirit by making a great comeback.

Pakistan will miss their top striker Imran Hossain through suspension but Joy thinks whatever the opposition attack is, centre-backs Rajani and Sujan can handle them.

Commenting on Pakistan's Birmingham-born defender Zesh, who plays for English Premiership side Fulham, Joy said that he found nothing extra-ordinary in the defender. "He is good in air and sometimes joins attack during corners. We will have to be careful in those times."