TOR CHITTINAND

Thailand are likely to start with their best player Anucha Munjarern against the United States in their second match at the 2008 Futsal (five-a-side) World Cup tournament in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday.

The Thais need a result against the Americans after they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by 2004 runners-up Italy in their opening Group B game on Tuesday.

The Italians scored the winner from the spot and Thailand missed a penalty kick which would have been an equaliser.

The US lost 5-0 to Paraguay in their opening match.

The other side in the group is Portugal with three teams from each group advancing to the second round.

Thailand manager Adisak Benjasiriwan said that had his men successfully converted the spot kick they could have won.

"We have to forget the match and look forward to the next match against the US," he said.

"We hope Anucha will be available."

Dubbed the "Wizard", Anucha is nursing an injury and did not play against Italy.

Thailand coach Jose Maria Mendez was upbeat about Thailand's chance against the US.

"If we can play like we did against Italy, I am sure that we will beat the US. We are likely to play Anucha in the match," said the Spaniard.