Bangladesh’s sports minister threw himself into the nation’s ferocious football tribalism on Friday, donning a yellow Brazil jersey and declaring that only a dream World Cup final against bitter rivals Argentina can truly satisfy the country’s legendary tournament fever.

The bold sartorial choice by Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque, a former national team captain, instantly stirred the fierce, decades-old rivalry that bitterly divides the South Asian nation during every World Cup.

His appearance at the closing ceremony of an Under-15 beach football tournament in Cox’s Bazar drew visible dismay from local Argentina supporters in the crowd.

“There is no reason to be disappointed,” Aminul told the audience, addressing the dismay of the local Argentina supporters in attendance. “Given the context of Bangladesh, where we have legions of Argentina and Brazil supporters, we all want Brazil and Argentina to play in the final. That way, we can maintain the mood and enthusiasm we have for the World Cup right until the end.”

Despite sharing eight World Cup titles between them since the tournament’s inception in 1930, the two footballing powerhouses have never met in the competition’s showpiece match.

Their last World Cup encounter dates back 36 years to 1990, whilst a highly anticipated clash in 2014 was derailed when hosts Brazil suffered a 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany.

Using the occasion to outline future sporting initiatives, the State Minister also announced plans to host the “SAFF Beach Games” at Cox’s Bazar, the world’s longest natural sea beach.

He confirmed that formal discussions have already taken place with the Bangladesh Olympic Association to stage the event, which will progressively feature football alongside various other disciplines.

“A short time ago, I went to the opening of the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, and saw that they had built an artificial beach,” Aminul said. “Yet we have the world’s largest natural beach. We want to utilise it.”

Highlighting his commitment to advancing the country’s sporting arena, the former national goalkeeper emphasised that there is no alternative to sport for building a healthy, drug-free nation and steering the younger generation away from electronic devices.

Aminul also provided an update on the “Notun Kuri Sports” grassroots festival.

He noted that the final round of the current edition will conclude by July, whilst the subsequent tournament is scheduled to officially commence on 1 September, which will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister.