Thais hope to upset under-pressure Aussies

Thais hope to upset under-pressure Aussies

Thailand players train at Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne.
Thailand players train at Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne.

Thailand coach Milovan Rajevac and star wing-back Theerathon Bunmathan are hoping the pressure to win would take its toll on Australia when the two sides clash in their last 2018 World Cup qualifier in Melbourne tomorrow.

While Thailand are out of contention for a place at Russia 2018, Australia are among three teams in Group B who are vying to become the second automatic qualifiers from the group behind Japan.

The War Elephants have to yet win a game in the campaign and are bottom in the group with two points from home draws against Australia and the UAE.

The Socceroos on the other hand are tied for second place with Saudi Arabia, having identical 16 points from nine matches. The UAE are in third place with 13 points and still in the running for a place in the finals.

The top two teams of Groups A and B qualify directly for Russia 2018, while the two third-place teams meet in a play-off with the winners facing a Concacaf side for another berth.

Rajevac said: "We know the Australians are under pressure because they've to win the match to qualify into the World Cup finals. It could turn out to be an advantage for us.

"In any case, it should be a good experience for our team."

Theerathon added that the key to Thailand's success would be counter-attacks.

"The Aussies are under pressure for sure and we have nothing to lose because we are no longer in contention for a place in the finals," said Theerathon.

"We are determined to put on an impressive show after losing to Iraq 2-1 on Thursday.

"All the players were disappointed by the loss to Iraq because we did play well and had a lot of opportunities to score.

"The Australians are bound to play an attacking game because they are anxious for a victory.

"This should leave their defence vulnerable and counter-attacks can do the trick. We are determined to exploit whatever chances we get in the match."

The match will be played at the Melbourne Rectangular stadium and will be televised live by Channel 7 at 5pm (Thai time).

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