SOCCER

Dutch powerhouses PSV Eindhoven will meet Thai Premier League champions SCG Muang Thong United tonight in a friendly which could be striker Teerasil Dangda's last match for the Kirins.

SCG Muang Thong United coach Slavisa Jokanovic, third left, and PSV Eindhoven boss Dick Advocaat shake hands at yesterday’s press conference. TAWATCHAI KEMGUMNERD

The match, called the AIA Champions Cup PSV Centennial Asian Tour 2013, kicks off at 7pm at SCG Stadium.

Thailand striker Teerasil will lead SCG's attack before leaving for Spain tomorrow for a two-week trial with Atletico Madrid.

Dutch league leaders PSV are without Mark van Bommel, the 35-year-old former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AC Milan midfielder ruled out with illness.

PSV managing director Tiny Sanders yesterday said it was an opportunity for his club to gain greater exposure in this part of the world and share some expertise with the Thai football community.

"We are one of the oldest teams in the Netherlands and we have many world-class players," Sanders said.

"Apart from playing a special match against Muang Thong, our team will also give information and knowledge to Thai clubs.

"This includes conducting football clinics for junior players, which will be very useful."

PSV coach Dick Advocaat said the game will serve as part of his men's preparation for the second leg of the Dutch season.

"Fans will see the two different football styles of Asia and Europe," he said.

"We will see how the game plays out _ it is good for us as the second leg of our league will start next week."

PSV midfielder Kevin Strooman was also looking forward to playing the Thai champions.

"We expect a good game tomorrow as our league starts again next week," Strooman said.

"We will play our best and I think we will be the first team to beat Muang Thong after they were unbeaten last season."

Muang Thong coach Slavisa Jokanovic said the match was a unique opportunity for his side.

"We should be very proud for our team to play against a world-class team like PSV," he said.

"Our team only came together last week but we will try our best. PSV are a good team and Dick is one of the best coaches in the world. It will be a good game."

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid executives will be at SCG Stadium to watch Teerasil, who is scheduled to fly to Spain for a trial with the club tomorrow.

Muang Thong director Ronnarit Suewaja said Teerasil was good enough to play for the Spanish club.

"I can assure you that we are not sending Teerasil to Atletico Madrid for publicity," Ronnarit said.

"He is very skilful and Atletico see his potential. I am confident that he will get through the trial."

However, if Atletico do not want him, there are several other clubs in Spain and Japan interested in signing him, Ronnarit said.

Teerasil said the trip would not be a waste of time, even if Atletico rejected him, as he would gain experience from his spell with a top European side.

In another development, Jose Maria Mendez, the former coach of the Thai national futsal team, has signed a one-year contract to coach Chonburi FC.

Better known here by his nickname 'Pulpis', the Spaniard will begin his stint with the Blue Wave in a Thai Futsal League match tomorrow.

Tickets for tonight's match are 150, 200 and 300 baht and available at Thai Ticket Major (call 02-262-3456 or visit www.thaiticketmajor.com)