Thailand eye World Cup berth

Thailand eye World Cup berth

Thailand coach Sasom Pobprasert yesterday declared that his men were standing between 'heaven or hell' ahead of today's AFC U19 Championship quarter-final against Uzbekistan with a World Cup berth at stake.

Appearing in the knockout stage for the first time since 1994, Thailand topped Group A after victories in their opening and closing group games against Yemen and Iran, but were defeated 3-0 by fellow quarter-finalists and hosts Myanmar.

Today's game in Yangon will see Thailand look to simultaneously qualify for the semi-finals and also reach the Fifa U20 World Cup for the first time in their history, when it is held in New Zealand next year.

"Every team is looking for a good result and Uzbekistan have an excellent record in youth competitions, but this comes down to one game and it is heaven or hell for us now," said Sasom, who urged home fans to get behind his team in the spirit of Southeast Asian unity.

"In the group stage, we were rivals. Now we and Myanmar are in the quarter-finals, so we are friends. I hope the Thai fans will support Myanmar and the Myanmar fans will return the favour for the pride of Asean.

"Our team has many problems. Chaowat Veerachat has gone back to play in the Thai Premier League and will only return to our squad tomorrow morning. We also have two key players that have yet to recover from their injuries.

"I hope they will make a comeback but whatever happens we like to play under pressure. We play for the Thai people and our King. We have never been to the World Cup and it is our mission to reach this competition's semi-finals."

The team will receive one million baht in bonus from the Football Association of Thailand if they beat Uzbekistan plus 300,000 baht for each goal they score.

The match will off at 7.30pm (Thai time). The last-four teams at the tournament secure places at next year's U20 World Cup.

Meanwhile, SCG Muang Thong United beat Air Force 1-0 and Singhtarua drew 2-2 with Ratchaburi in the Thai Premier League on Wednesday night.

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