Thailand must avoid defeat against Ukraine today to move closer to securing a second-round berth at the 2012 Futsal World Cup.
Suphawut Thueanklang.
The Thais are Group A leaders after their 3-1 win over Costa Rica in their opening game on Thursday. Group favourites Paraguay and Ukraine drew 3-3 in their first game.
Thailand coach Victor Hermans yesterday said he was confident that his men could handle the Ukrainians.
"It will be a closely fought game," the Dutch coach said. "Ukraine are a dynamic team and I'm sure that they will attack us from the start. We must stay focused in defence.
"It's an important match because if we beat them we will certainly advance to the next round."
A draw may be enough for Thailand to get past the first round for the first time in their fourth World Cup appearance.
The top two teams from each of the six groups and four best third-placed sides progress to the knock-out stages.
Hermans has several injured players particularly goalkeeper Prakit Dankhunthod who was substituted in the opening match following a clash with a Costa Rica player.
It is not likely that Prakit will be available for selection but Hermans is not worried much about the position as he believes Surapong Tompa is equally good.
"We do not have No.1 and No.2 goalkeepers, we have two No. 1 goalkeepers," the coach said. "Surapong played in the previous World Cup so he is able to do the job. This should not be a big problem for us."
There were several empty seats at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium when Thailand played Costa Rica and Hermans urged Thai fans to turn out in droves for the Unkraine match.
"We want fans to pack the stadium tomorrow. We need their support as a sixth player on the pitch," he said. "Their support will help boost our players and at the same time put pressure on opponents."
Thailand manager Teerachai Wuthithum said his men would try to go for a win because if they finish third in the group they may meet defending champions Brazil in the sudden-death round of 16.
Ukraine coach Gennadiy Lisenchuk said: "We have to beat Thailand to be assured of a second-round berth but it won't be easy.
"We did not play well in the first match but we hope our players play better against Thailand."
In today's other Group C match, Paraguay take on Costa Rica.
"I am confident that we will reach the second round," said Paraguay coach Fernando Leite. "We should have beaten Ukraine in the opening match."
PROBABLE THAILAND TEAM
Surapong Tompa, Jirawat Sornwichian, Kritsada Wongkaeo, Suphawut Thueanklang and Keattiyot Chalaemkhet
