War Elephants ready to show heart
Don’t underestimate Thais, warns Japan boss
Thai players will fight with their hearts when they meet Japan in a World Cup qualifier in Saitama today, coach Kiatisak Senamuang said yesterday.
Japan are heavy favourites, having already beaten Thailand 2-0 in the Bangkok leg of the Group B fixtures in Asia’s final qualifying round for the 2018 World Cup.
The Japanese have 13 points from six games and trail group leaders Saudi Arabia on goal difference, while the Thais are at the other end of the table having earned just one point.
In their previous games on Thursday, Thailand suffered an embarrassing 3-0 home loss to Saudi Arabia while the Blue Samurai secured an impressive 2-0 win at the United Arab Emirates.
“We know that Japan are one of the best Asian teams. They are better than us tactically and technically,” Kiatisak told yesterday’s press conference.
“But our players will play with their hearts and give their all. We have nothing to lose. It is a good opportunity for our players to play against Japan who have played at several World Cup finals.
“We will try to play an entertaining game. If we can get a point tomorrow, it will be a success for us. But it will be difficult to get three points.”
Japan are not all-conquering at home as they were held to a scoreless draw by Singapore in the previous round two years ago.
Kiatisak admitted t hat Singapore played very well on that day but was not sure if his men would be able to emulate the feat achieved by their Southeast Asian neighbours.
The War Elephants will be without captain and defender Theerathon Bunmathan who is suspended.
Kiatisak said his absence would affect the team but this would be a good chance for other players to play and demonstrate their ability.
The strike force will be led by Teerasil Dangda and playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin, who will join J-League side Consadole Sapporo on loan from Thai champions SCG Muang Thong United later this year.
Earlier, Kiatisak shrugged off calls from a section of the Thai fans for his resignation.
He said he only cared about the feelings of his players and the fans who have followed Thai football for a long time.
“I don’t feel under pressure. Everybody knows this is not an easy job,’’ he said.
Asked if he had read any comments by fans calling for his head, Kiatisak said: “I don’t read them. It won’t make me feel better. Has Thai football progressed to a level where we should get a lot of points? It is another matter if we lose without a fight. But our players are still determined to fight.”
Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic cracked the whip and fired a warning shot at his team, ordering his players not to take Thailand lightly in today’s match, Kyodo reported.
Halilhodzic said the mission remains far from accomplished for Japan and that if his team underestimate the Thais, they will pay the price.
“We played well against the UAE, but that victory will mean something only if we beat Thailand,” Halilhodzic said.
“A lot of people think they will be easy opponents for us, but I find them to be very difficult. We need to be careful because they are a good team. We must fight for a win and nothing else.”
He added: “We have the future of Japanese football on our shoulders, so we have to fight for it. People seem to think Thailand will be pushovers. They won’t be.”