Schaefer promises changes ahead of North Korea play-off

Schaefer promises changes ahead of North Korea play-off

Thailand coach Winfried Schaefer has backed his side to rebound from the disappointing loss to Finland and beat North Korea in today's third-place play-off at the King's Cup.

Thitiphan Puangchan, right, is likely to start against North Korea today.

Thailand will meet North Korea before Sweden and Finland face in the final at Chiang Mai's 700th Anniversary Stadium.

The hosts were defeated 3-1 by Finland on Wednesday, while North Korea lost to Sweden 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out after the teams drew 1-1.

At a team meeting yesterday, the Thai players watched tapes of their loss to Finland and North Korea's defeat against Sweden, and Schaefer insisted he will make changes for the third-place decider.

"We will use Chartree [Chimtalay] to replace Kirati [Kaewsombut] as striker," Schaefer said.

"In midfield, we may use either Surachart [Sareepim] or Arthit [Sunthornphit] instead of Teerathep [Winothai].

"Adul [Lasoh] has been playing for the team since the Suzuki Cup so he should get a rest and we may use Thitiphan [Puangchan] instead. In central defence, Arthit [Daosawang] will play alongside Chonlatit [Jantakam]."

Despite his side's loss to Finland, Schaefer insisted his team will bounce back against North Korea.

"The potential of our side is much greater than North Korea's so I think we can finish the tournament with third place," Schaefer said.

"I hope for good support from the football fans at the stadium and throughout the country."

Chartree, earmarked to play as striker, plans to make the most of his opportunity.

"If I am selected, I will do my best and try to score against North Korea," Chartree said.

North Korea coach Yun Jong-Su also drew confidence from his side's showing against Sweden.

"We cannot underestimate Thailand because their players have great skill and speed," he said.

"But the weak point of the Thai team is defending against the high ball and also controlling the ball when pressured.

"If we play the way we did in the first match, we can beat them."

Thai FA chief Worawi Makudi has promised a bonus of 500,000 baht if Thailand win or draw against North Korea.

PROBABLE THAILAND TEAM

Goalkeeper: Chatchai Butprom

Defenders: Naruebodin Weerawatnodom, Chonlatit Jantakam, Arthit Daosawang, Supachai Komsilp

Midfielders: Chanathip Songkrasin, Sumanya Purisay, Thitiphan Puangchan, Arthit Sunthornphit, Datsakorn Thonglao

Striker: Chartree Chimtalay

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