Golden boot not a priority for Adisak
Thailand’s Adisak Kraisorn is chasing another record at the AFF Suzuki Cup but the striker is more interested in helping the War Elephants win a record-extending sixth Southeast Asian title.
The SCG Muang Thong United star has scored eight goals for the two-time defending champions in the 2018 tournament, including six against Timor Leste.
He netted a goal in Thailand’s 3-0 win against Singapore in their final Group B game at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium on Sunday.
Dubbed AK9, Adisak has become Thailand’s highest scorer in one Asean championship beating Natipong Sritong-In’s seven-goal mark set in 1996.
He needs two more goals to tie Singaporean Noh Alam Shah’s record of scoring 10 goals in one tournament in 2007 when the Lions won the third of their four titles.
“I am happy when I score for the team but not interested in any personal records,” said the 27-year-old Thai.
“I am not looking forward to winning the golden boot as the tournament’s top scorer. I want to win the title for the team.
“But winning the title may not be easy as other teams have improved. So we can’t underestimate any teams.”
Thailand will meet Malaysia over two legs in the semi-finals with the first game in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday and the second in Bangkok on Dec 5.
The other semi-final pits Vietnam against the Philippines coached by former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Meanwhile, Thailand midfielder Sanrawat Detchmitr admitted that he did not play well in every game in the group stage.
“I am happy that we have reached the semi-finals,’’ said the True Bangkok United star. “I don’t have to play well in every game. The most important thing is that I help the team win.”
Although Thailand had three wins and one draw and scored 15 goals in the group stage, there is still criticism against coach Milovan Rajevac’s style of play which focuses on defence.
“Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion and we can’t change their thinking,” he said.
“We may not play a beautiful attacking game — we play as a team and defend as a team. The coach knows best and we have to play according to his tactics. Results are more important than anything else.”
Thailand have won the Southeast Asian title a record five times.