Thailand coach Victor Hermans is worried about his men's fragile defence ahead of the first match of their Futsal World Cup campaign against Costa Rica on Thursday.
Thailand, blue, had only one win against Egypt in a five-team warm-up tournament last week.
The Dutch coach said yesterday that Brazil and Spain, the only two nations who have won the world title, are again favourites to be crowned champions.
He said Paraguay, Italy and Russia could reach the top in the seventh World Cup to be held in Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima from Nov 1-18.
Thailand could also be a surprise package on home soil _ if they can strengthen their defence, he insisted.
"If we can solve the problem, then we can play against any team in the world," Hermans said.
In last week's five-team warm-up event in Bangkok, Thailand beat Egypt 4-3 and suffered three defeats against Australia (5-4), Solomon Islands (4-3) and Panama (7-5).
After their loss to Solomon Islands, Hermans said he was very disappointed by the Thais' poor performance particularly in defence. He had reason to be upset as Solomon Islands conceded 69 goals in four games at the 2008 World Cup or about 17 goals per match.
Thailand have played in three finals but failed to reach the next round on every occasion. But Hermans believes this will be Thailand's time to get past the first round in the World Cup.
"The players have skills and determination. They need support from their compatriots at the stadium," he said.
Hermans was appointed coach of Thailand earlier this year and became an instant success by guiding Thailand to their best ever result at the Asian championship.
The Thais stunned Iran 5-4 after extra time in the semi-finals before losing to Japan in the final. At the 2012 World Cup, Thailand open against Costa Rica in Group A on Thursday.
"I am sure that we will beat Costa Rica," Hermans said.
Thailand need a win against the Concacaf champions, who are seen as the weakest side in the group which also features Paraguay and Ukraine.
Failing to beat Costa Rica could see Thailand heading to another early exit as Paraguay and Ukraine are considered stronger than the Thais.
Football Association of Thailand president Worawi Makudi and national team manager Thirachai Wutthitham also expressed their confidence that Thailand would get a breakthrough success.
"The players are determined to play to the best of their ability to make all Thais happy," Worawi said.