Thailand U23 team may have missed their chance to make it to the final of M-150 Cup after a 1-0 loss to North Korea on Wednesday night but their coach Zoran Jankovic wants to see his side make an all-out effort to win their third-place battle against Vietnam today.
The Thais meet the Vietnam U23 team at 4pm, while the final match will be between Japan and Uzbekistan at 8pm. Both games will be played at Buriram's I-Mobile Stadium.
After a goalless first half, North Korea netted the clincher in the final 10 minutes of their last Group A match on Wednesday night when Thai goalkeeper Nont Muangngam found himself helpless to stop a shot by Ri Hun.
Jankovic said: "We had to make several changes today but they were needed. We were worried about injuries to some of our key players.
"I don't think we were too late to send in the replacements. Sometimes players have to go in early to take over from the injured ones, but it is never advisable to make changes at crunch times during a match.
"What happened today has shown that we lack players in certain positions.
"We had many chances but didn't take them. We conceded the goal from close range during the last 10 minutes and it was like we were punished for not being able to punish them.
"For next month's AFC U23 Championship in China, our team should be physically stronger but we will not change our style because we are pleased with our performance in this tournament."
Jankovic added that he wanted his team to have the chance of playing a top Asian team like Uzbekistan in the final, but the third-place play-off against Vietnam also had an important purpose to serve.
"We only have one day to rest and get ready for the game against Vietnam," said Jankovic, a former Bulgaria striker.
He added: "We will use the best and fittest players against Vietnam.
"I want the players to make an all-out effort and see this game as their last opportunity to impress before the Asian event next month.
"The Vietnam game is also my last chance to observe the team and spot its shortcomings for improvement before the Asian tournament."
Park Hang-Seo, Vietnam's U23 team coach, said: "We will try to beat Thailand and claim the third place in this tournament. We have our plan ready to take on the Thais."