Education and language education and in Thailand

This column is for self
study or classroom use and gives guided help with reading the wide variety of writing styles and topics that appear as feature articles in the Bangkok Post. The lessons include background information, skill
building practice and vocabulary explanations.

July 24, 2007

Match day

INTRODUCTION

This is a pre-match report and, as is typical of such reports, it features comments from both managers about their team's chances. Thai manager Chanvit Phalajivin has the most to say. Read to find out what kind of a match he expects from the Socceroos who have thus far failed to impress. Indeed Australian manager Graham Arnold has been very critical of his squad, reportedly creating considerable dissatisfaction among the team members. Read to find out if they Australians seem to be in a good frame of mind for the match.

The story begins with an overview of the match, how the teams have fared so far, and what kind of results the two teams need to continue in the competition.

Language note

Today's story is obviously looking forward to tonight's match. Tomorrow's story, on the other hand, will be backward-looking. Obviously, the verb forms will change accordingly and you might want to keep a careful watch on what happens.

As you read through the story below, notice the verb forms that are used. Notice particularly that not all are future forms. Do you see why?

squad
team
frame of mind
the way you feel or think about something at a particular time
reportedly
according to what some people say fare
to be successful / unsuccessful in a particular situation; how someone has done in a particular situation

OUR STORY FROM THE BANGKOK POST

Australia's Harry Kewell talks with manager Graham Arnold yesterday. — EPA

Thailand and Australia have it all to play for in last group game

Qualification hinges on tonight's clash

TOR CHITTINAND

Thailand and Australia meet tonight at Rajamangala National Stadium in a crucial match to decide which of the two teams will progress from Group A into the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup.

With four points already in the bag, a draw will be enough for Thailand to advance, while for Australia, nothing less than a victory will do.

Thailand would also prefer a victory to ensure they remain in Bangkok for the next round, but would certainly settle for a draw.

A big crowd is expected at the stadium tonight to witness what should be a classic showdown between the teams.

Thailand are full of confidence after an impressive 2-0 win over Oman and a draw against Iraq.

Australia have had a miserable time so far with a shock 3-1 defeat against Iraq and barely scraping a draw in their opener against Oman.

Despite their poor performance so far, the Socceroos will still go in tonight's match as favourites considering their impressive line-up which includes top Premiership stars including Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill.

Thailand's coach, Chanvit Phalajivin is not getting carried away by the situation. ''One reason Australia have not performed so well is that they have played in the early matches when it was hot. But an evening kick-off is not so bad for them.''

He also feared Thailand might suffer a backlash as the Australian side bounce back following stinging criticism from the press at home.

''I'm afraid they might produce their top football against us,'' admitted Chanvit. ''If they are at their best then it will be a very tough match for us. We know we are underdogs, but we are determined to put on a good display.''

Chanvit said Australia were far more experienced than his side. ''They have players from the Premiership and other top leagues while our team are semi-professional and some are even students,'' he said.

''But we are playing at home in front of our own fans and we will fight all the way.''

hinge on
to depend on
crucial
extremely important because it will affect other things
draw
a match in which neither team wins, i.e., they end with the same score
settle for - to accept something that is not exactly what you want but which is the best available
witness
to see
showdown
a test, competition, fight, etc. that will settle a competition, disagreement, etc.
miserable
very uncomfortable or unhappy
scraping
getting or achieving with great difficulty
favourite
the team that is thought to be stronger and therefore expected to win
backlash
a strong negative reaction
bounce back
to recover; to return to a normal condition after a difficult time
stinging
very severe; angry
press
the media, i.e., newspapers, television, radio, etc.
underdog
a team, person, country, etc. that is thought to be in a weaker position than others and therefore not likely to be successful
display
show of skill

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