THAILAND
Tor Chittinand
Thailand's football chief has dismissed criticism that former Everton star Peter Reid's route one style does not suit Thailand.
Former England international Reid has agreed to coach Thailand although he has not yet signed a contract.
But Worawi Makudi, president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), said yesterday Reid was an experienced coach who would see Thailand's weak points and give them tactics to suit.
"It won't be a problem," said Worawi.
Thailand were once coached by Englishman Peter Withe who guided the kingdom to consecutive Asian Games semi-finals in 1998 and 2002, Worawi said.
He said Reid would be assigned to coach Thailand at the AFC Under-19 Championship later this year so that he may see some rising stars who are good enough for the full national side.
Also, Thailand's futsal (five-a-side) team have been drawn into a tough group in the Fifa World Cup.
The Thais, as Asian runner-ups, are in Group B along with Italy, Portugal, Paraguay and the United States.
It is seen as the toughest bracket or Group of Death in the championship to be held in Brazil from September 30 to October 19.
Thailand manager Adisak Benjasiriwan said other teams in the group were all top class sides particularly Italy who were runner-ups in the previous World Cup.
He said Italy, who have a number of Brazilian-born players, and Portugal were favourites to progress to the second group phrase.
Adisak said Thailand would have to work hard to finish third for pride as only two teams from each of the four groups advance to the next round.
The tournament will be held in Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia. It is the first time that the championship has has 20 teams.
DRAW
Group A: Brazil (hosts), Russia, Japan, Cuba, Solomon Islands
Group B: Italy, Portugal, Thailand, Paraguay, USA
Group C: Argentina, Ukraine, China, Guatemala, Egypt
Group D: Spain (champions), Czech Republic, Iran, Uruguay, Libya
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