Thailand kick off defence against Laos

Thailand kick off defence against Laos

Defending champions Thailand will begin their defence of the men's football title at the SEA Games in Singapore today while Indonesia will remain in the tournament.

Thailand midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin, second right, and teammates train yesterday.

The Thais will open their campaign against Laos in Group B which also features Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Timor Leste.

Thailand coach Choketawee Promrut said he was confident that his men would get off to a winning start.

"We are looking forward to the match. We don't underestimate any opponents but we should get our first three points," he said. "We must win the first game to boost our confidence."

Choketawee said most opponents would play defensively against Thailand so his players have practised free-kicks.

Laos lost 7-0 to Thai Premier League champions Buriram United in a recent warm-up match.

Thailand midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin said: "I come here to help our team win the title and I am ready for tomorrow's match."

Chanathip has been Thailand's most popular players among foreign journalists at the SEA Games.

The 21-year-old helped Thailand regain the AFF Suzuki Cup, or the Southeast Asian Championship for full internationals, last year when the first round was held in Singapore.

Thailand captain Sarach Yooyen said he and his teammates did not have problems with the weather and other conditions in Singapore as they are similar to those at home.

Thailand regained the crown at the previous Games in Myanmar in 2013 to end a six-year title drought.

Meanwhile, there was a meeting of football team managers who were informed by the hosts that Indonesia were allowed to play in the tournament.

It was earlier reported that Indonesia could be banned by Fifa because of their internal problems.

However, Fifa, which is hit by a corruption scandal, has not issued any order regarding the matter.

"The organising committee confirmed that Indonesia will remain in the football tournament,'' said Thailand manager Somsak Siritham.

Indonesia are in Group A along with Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia and the Philippines.

The top two teams of each of the two groups advance to the semi-finals.

Somsak said the organisers told the meeting to be aware of football gambling and match-fixing.

"I am sure that our players and officials will never become involved in this matter,'' he said.

The SEA Games officially runs from June 5-16.

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