Datsakorn doubtful for crunch clash
BANGKOK: Dynamic midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao could miss Thailand’s match against Myanmar tomorrow after a recurrence of a groin injury.
Datsakorn was stretched off in the second half of the three-time champions 2-1 victory over the Philippines on Saturday that took Thailand top of the group on three points after Myanmar held 2008 champions Vietnam to a 1-1 draw.
“Datsakorn is out maybe, I do not know exactly,” said Thailand coach Winfried Schafer. “For three months, he has had the same adductor muscle problem. “The doctor has given him an injection and we will have to see later how he is.”
The Muang Thong United captain only returned to action in the friendly against Bangladesh last Saturday after a spell on the sidelines.
Schafer was pleased with the overall performance aagainst the Philippines but refused to get carried away with the result highlighting the lapses in concentration which led to Paul Mulders goal that resulted in a nervy last 15 minutes for Thailand.
“It will be a difficult match against Myanmar... we need the same as against the Philippines, play 100 per cent,” he said.
“We were 2-0 up with 15 minutes to go but lost a little bit of concentration - we lost the ball and that brought Philippines into the match. It was not good. We have to concentrate for 90 minutes.”
Schafer singled out wing back Theerathon Bunmathan and Anucha Kitpongsri, who scored the second goal, for particular praise.
“I was very happy with two players, Theerathon from Buriram and Anucha from Chonburi, who played very well down the left side,” said the former coach of Cameroon, adding that Thailand played “fantastic” football at times during the game.
Philippines coach Michael Weiss was disappointed at the loss to Thailand but said that he was still confident that the Azkals could reach the semi-finals for the second straight tournament.
“I think we needed that game and we will get into a ggood rhythm and I ampretty sure we have a very good chance to go into the next round,” he said.
Weiss fielded a number of overseas-based players against Thailand but said their presence did not necessarily mean success.
“It is always said we have players from Europe but that does not automatically mean that against a creative and strong team like Thailand on their home soil that we will win,” he added.
Weiss will have to watch the game against Vietnam on Tuesday from the stands after being sent from the dug out by the referee near the end of the match after throwing the ball at a Thai player on the ground.
“I just threw the ball back to the player. I wanted to roll it but I just threw it ... it was not intentional to hit the player ... why would I do that,” he said. “It hit the player and they (Thai players) made a lot of noise and the referee sent me off. I think it was unfair.”
He added that it was not ideal for him not to be on the bench on Tuesday but his assistant coach could undertake the role as they made the preparations for the team together. — AFF website