Thai women hope to earn four points
Thailand are hoping to claim four points from the second week of the 2015 World Grand Prix preliminary round hostilities in Brazil.
World No.12 Thailand, who ended up claiming just two out of the maximum nine points in the first week in Bangkok, are expecting a better show when they take on hosts Brazil, Germany and Belgium in Pool D in the second leg. “Our players are now used to the weather here and have recovered well from jet lag after the l ong flight,” said national women’s team coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai. “We aim to get four points but fully realise that it won’t be an easy task.” The coach added that it would be too tough for the Thai team to beat world No.2 and reigning champions Brazil.
“World No.9 Germany and No.13 Belgium are also strong teams but they can be beaten.
“We hope to win both matches against Germany and Belgium, who are expected to use almost the same old squads that we have played against recently and are familiar with their style and weaknesses.”
The coach’s optimism has been expressed despite the fact that in the past eight meetings at the World Grand Prix, Thailand have registered only one win over Germany.
“We studied the game between Germany and China carefully,” Kiattipong said. “They played really well and we need to be in peak form against them to produce the desired result.”
Both Germany and Belgium have three points each to their credit after the first week. Germany had beaten Dominican Republic and lost to China and Russia in Pool B while Belgium had a 3-0 win over Turkey but went down to Italy and USA in Pool C.
Thailand start their campaign against Germany tonight (2am on Saturday) without Ajcharaporn Kongyot who is injured.