Thais ready for pivotal encounter
War Elephants eye 3 points from 2nd game
Thailand need to be a bit more clinical in front of goal today as they eye three points from their second Asian Games Group B encounter with Bangladesh.
The match at Pakansari Stadium in Indonesia is scheduled to kick off at 4pm and the War Elephants’ chances of making it to the last-16 round of the men’s football tournament hinge on the outcome of the battle.
The 26-nation men’s football event of the Games is a U23 competition that allows each country to field three overage players and the top two teams of each of the six groups and four best third-placed sides advance to the knockout stages.
Thailand coach Worrawoot Srimaka yesterday supervised a team training session and revealed that his men were all fit after their impressive 1-1 draw with Qatar on Tuesday night. Bangladesh lost 3-0 to reigning Asian U23 champions Uzbekistan in their first game.
“Although we have only had one day to rest, the fitness of the players seems to be very good,” Worrawoot said. “They have recovered well after the close game with Qatar.”
The coach added: “Today, we focused on finishing. We created many chances in the first game [against Qatar] but were able to convert only one. “Bangladesh follow the South Asian style f ootball like Nepal whom we beat [4-0] in a warm-up match i n Bangkok. “Bangladesh have many tall players but I have told the players to play their own game and keep the ball in their possession as much as they can.
“Of course, we want to qualify for the next round. I don’t want to pressure the players, but we need three points from this match.”
Worrawoot is faced with a selection quandary up front after skipper Chenrop Samphaodi started as their main striker against Qatar.
However, it was Supachai Chaided whose introduction after the break added spark to the Thai attacks and the rising Buriram United star eventually delivered the injury-time equaliser.
“Actually any one of them [Chenrop or Supachai] can be striker. In the game with Qatar, Chenrop got many chances but so did Supachai. However, Chenrop has the ability to do more for the team.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Thanasit Siriphala, who had an outstanding game against Qatar, said: “We could have won the first match. We missed so many chances to score.
“For the game with Bangladesh, we must be more accurate in front of goal. I am hoping that I will be able to create more chances for my teammates.
“The Asian Games here are the biggest tournament I have ever participated in and I admit that I am feeling the pressure.”
The Thais will play their last group game against Uzbekistan on Sunday.