Thailand switch focus to Blue Samurai

Thailand switch focus to Blue Samurai

Kiatisak calls up Chonburi midfielder Nurul to replace suspended Theerathon in Tuesday's tie

Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang, centre, and his players at Suvarnabhumi airport before leaving for Japan yesterday.
Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang, centre, and his players at Suvarnabhumi airport before leaving for Japan yesterday.

Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang and his men left for Japan yesterday, trying to push memories of the brutal 3-0 drubbing sustained at home to Saudi Arabia on Thursday night out of their minds as soon as possible.

Thailand are scheduled to play their next Group B match of the final phase of Asian qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup against Japan on Tuesday in Saitama.

The loss to Saudi Arabia has left the Thais firmly rooted to the foot of the table and the War Elephants are also the only side in the last 12-team stage yet to win a match after the completion of the sixth round of matches in both groups on Thursday night.

With their dream of reaching the World Cup finals for the first time in their history effectively shattered, Thailand will be playing to salvage some pride in their remaining four qualifying matches.

Kiatisak has been busy since the defeat, telling his players: "We must stand up quickly. Everybody must fight and move ahead."

His problems were compounded on Thursday night when skipper Theerathon Bunmathan picked up his second yellow card late in the match and was suspended for the game against Japan.

"We have called up Chonburi's Nurul [Sriyankem] as a replacement for captain Theerathon, who has been suspended after collecting two yellows," said Kiatisak.

"Nurul is our first choice as he can help a lot in our attacking game.

"Playing without Theerathon will definitely affect the team but we can rely on Nurul's speed."

Nurul is scheduled to fly to Japan today to join the team.

He said after being called up by Kiatisak: "If I get the opportunity to play in the match against Japan, I will do my best for the Thai national team."

The Thai coach added: "We know the weather in Japan is around 4C to 6C and it might rain on some days as well, but we have to be ready for such things.

"To play against Japan in their home has always been difficult for us. They beat us in Thailand [earlier in the current World Cup qualifying campaign] and for this game, we are visiting them so we can expect a tougher outing.

"Japan are one of the top Asian teams. They have several players who play in the European leagues. Last night, they beat the United Arab Emirates 2-0.

"However, we have nothing to lose. We only have to avoid giving in easily and fight for a good result in this game."

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia coach Bert van Marwijk said after picking up three points against Thailand: "We came to Bangkok almost a week before the game which helped our players adapt themselves to the weather and time.

"We started off well in the first half with one goal, but had some problems in the second because of the hot weather and the fitness of the players towards the end of the game.

"Our target was to claim three points and we have done it.

"We have to play against Iraq next. There will be pressure on us because we will be playing in front of our home crowd and they want to see our team qualify for Russia 2018."

Saudi Arabia and Japan both have 13 points each after six matches, but the Saudis lead the Group B standings because of a better goal difference.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT