TOR CHITTINAND

Thailand have to beat the United States tomorrow to keep alive their hopes of progressing past the first round at the Fifa Futsal (five-a-side) World Cup in Rio de Janeiro.

"It will be a very important match for both sides because both lost in their opening games," said Thailand manager Asidak Benjasiriwan.

"If we want to reach the second round, we must beat the US."

Thailand coach Jose Maria Mendez said the Americans were stronger physically so his men had to use their superior speed to handle them.

"Our aim is three points. We have to win for a chance to reach the second round," he said.

Thailand opened their campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Italy while the US were thrashed 5-0 by Paraguay. The other team in Group B is Portugal with three teams from each group advancing to the knock-out stages.