CRUNCH CLASH
Stakes high in tonight’s Thailand-Singapore tie
>> Thailand coach Milovan Rajevac has made it clear that result would take precedence over style when the War Elephants face a spirited Singapore side in tonight’s 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup Group B battle in which they need to avoid a defeat.
The match at the Rajamangala National Stadium will kick off at 7pm and will be broadcast live on Channel 7 HD.
Two-time defending champions Thailand allowed the Philippines to net a late equaliser in midweek to leave them needing at least a point to progress to the last four.
Singapore need a win in the last group stage encounter of this year’s Southeast Asian championship to assure themselves of a place in the semi-finals. However, a draw would also suffice for the Lions if alreadyeliminated Indonesia can pull off a win against the Philippines in tonight’s other Group B clash.
Rajevac has taken some flak for his defensive approach after the 1-1 draw in Bacolod on Wednesday, but the Serb has countered by saying that the result must come first in such a vital match.
“We always want to play attractive and attacking football but the result is always the most important thing,” said Rajevac at a pre-match press conference yesterday.
He added: “We have erased all memories of the previous game and are looking forward to the match with Singapore.
“We have been training hard since our return from the Philippines and our players are now 100 percent fit. There is nothing to be worried about.
“Although we only managed a draw in the last match, we are not under pressure. I think we were a bit unlucky to concede that goal.
“This Singapore team have a good discipline with every player following the coach’s instructions. We cannot underestimate any team in this tournament, we only have to prepare our team well.
“We can also rely on Thai fans’ support at the venue. They will be our 12th man in this important battle.”
Although Thailand’s goalkeepers have been responsible for conceding two very avoidable goals in the past two games, Rajevac backed them to recover.
“I really have full faith in all my players’ ability and that also applies to the goalkeepers,” he said.
“We have two goalkeepers [Siwarak Tedsungnoen and Chatchai Butprom] who are experienced and of similar quality. Mistakes from goalkeepers can happen and it’s not a big deal in any team.”
Singapore coach Fandi Ahmad claimed his side had no fear after putting six past Timor Leste in midweek.
“This is the time for us to step up another level,” said Fandi, a former Singapore forward.
“We know Thailand is a big team, a strong team. They are all very good technical players but I think we will try to give them a good fight.”
Fandi believes the togetherness of the players will be key to achieving the result they need after the disappointment of failing to progress from the group stages in the last two competitions.
“I think our teamwork and togetherness is very strong,” he said.
“Nobody gave us a chance in this Group of Death because it was very difficult. Even some people at home didn’t believe that we would go far.
“But there’s always a chance when you play together as a team.
“Technically, Thailand are the best. They have good speed and they can keep the momentum and rhythm.
“Our job is to destroy all the moves. We come here with no fear. Win, lose or draw, we will fight to the end.”