Thais eye big surprise in play-off
Coach expects better show against China
Thailand are gunning for a revenge as they take on China in the third-place play-off of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup tonight.
The match kicks off at 8.45pm (Thai time) at Amman International Stadium, followed by the title game between defending champions Japan and 2014 runners-up Australia at midnight at the same venue.
The Thais lost to China 4-0 in the opening Group A match but have gone from strength to strength since that game.
The Chaba Kaew, reduced to 10 players in the second half, put on a gallant performance before going down to the Matildas on penalties in the semi-finals.
The Steel Roses lost 3-1 to Japan in the other semi-final.
All four teams have already secured their berths at next year’s Fifa World Cup. South Korea who beat the Philippines 5-0 in the fifth/sixth place play-off on Monday, have also booked their ticket to France.
Coach Nuengruetai Srathongvieng believes Thailand are more than ready for the key battle, despite the intense nature of their semi-final defeat — a match they were within seconds of winning.
“My team have already played a lot of games here, but they are ready both mentally and physically for the match against China,” said Nuengrutai.
“We are developing as a side, and we are doing that at our own pace, but, no matter what, we are constantly looking to reach a higher level.
“We will go into the game as underdogs, but we will try our very best to win and all the players are definitely up for the game.
“Of course, everyone knows that China are very strong in terms of women’s football and that we are not at the same level as them.
“Nevertheless, we want to focus on ourselves and ensure that every member of our team knows their responsibilities for the game ahead.”
Nuengruetai also played down concerns over her players’ fitness despite their 120minute match against Australia.
“Fitness is not a problem although we played 120 minutes against Australia,” said Nuengrutai. “We have already exceeded everyone’s expectation. All the players are looking forward to the game and they all want a revenge.”
Meanwhile team manager Nualphan Lamsan believes if the team could maintain the level of professionalism they showed against Australia, the Thais are capable of causing an upset.
“We’ve come very far in this tournament. We have nothing to lose and anything can happen,” said Nualphan.
“In the semi-final against Australia, we had several chances to score but we couldn’t do it. Now we will play for the third place and this will be our last game in the tournament.
“I think if the players could play like they did against Australia, China will have a lot to worry about although they beat us in the group stage,” she added.
China coach Siggi Eyjolfsson insisted his team are looking to end the championship on a winning note and hope to banish any lingering disappointment connected with their loss in the last four.
“We are of course disappointed that we lost against Japan,” said the Icelandic coach.
“However, that game is in the past and we are now absolutely focused on our next game. We know that it is going to be a tough game for us, as Thailand were unlucky not to win against Australia, but this is a new match.
“You never know beforehand if your team is going to play to the level you expect, but the game against Thailand certainly promises to be an exciting match.
“It really does not matter what has happened in the past, all that matters is that you look forward and focus on winning the next game you have, which is something we absolutely intend to do.”
MATILDAS V NADESHIKO
Australia renew their rivalry with defending champions Japan in the title decider tonight.
The Matildas, who won the title in 2010, have reached a third consecutive continental final and a second in a row against the Nadeshiko.
Australia coach Alen Stajcic said a second Asian title would deliver a welcome boost to the game in the country.
“For all of Australian football, it would be a fantastic moment,” he said. “We haven’t necessarily had a great last couple of years in Australian football, so I think it would be a great boost for all of Australian football if we could win the title.”
Meanwhile Japan coach Asako Takakura insisted her focus remains solely on the team’s performance.
“I set three objectives before we started this tournament — to qualify for the [Fifa Women’s] World Cup, to defend the title as Asian champions and, lastly, individual and team development,” said the Nadeshiko boss.
“We are just focusing on what we should do as a team... I’d like to concentrate on how we can show our football, Japanese football. That’s all I’m thinking of.”