Chaba Kaew fly to NZ to seek berth in World Cup
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Chaba Kaew fly to NZ to seek berth in World Cup

FAT chief Somyot Poompunmuang, left, gives Thailand captain Nipawan Panyosuk a bouquet of flowers at Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday.
FAT chief Somyot Poompunmuang, left, gives Thailand captain Nipawan Panyosuk a bouquet of flowers at Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday.

Thailand left for New Zealand yesterday to compete in the final qualifying event for the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup.

The inter-confederation play-offs, which will take place in New Zealand from Feb 18-23, will determine the last three spots for the World Cup.

The Chaba Kaew will face Cameroon on Feb 18 at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand.

The winners will then meet Portugal on Feb 22 for a place in the World Cup finals to be held in New Zealand and Australia from July 20 to Aug 20.

Thailand coach Miyo Okamoto said her players were well-prepared for the qualifying event.

"We are ready for the competition. By the time the tournament starts, we should be 100 percent ready. We have studied our opponents," the Japanese said.

"I do not have to put extra pressure on my players because everybody knows that we have to win both games to reach the World Cup finals. Everybody wants to play in the World Cup.

"We will do everything we can in this competition."

Thailand are seeking their third consecutive berth at the World Cup.

Their key players include Waraporn Boonsing, Silawan Intamee, Sunisa Srangthaisong, Taneekarn Dangda and Nipawan Panyosuk.

Football Association of Thailand (FAT) president Somyot Poompunmuang promised to give them a "big reward" if they secure a World Cup spot during his meeting with them at Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday.

Meanwhile, the Thai men's team will play warm-up games against Georgia and Estonia in October.

The War Elephants will meet Georgia, coached by former France international Willy Sagnol, in Tbilisi on Oct 12.

Mano Polking's men, the reigning Southeast Asian champions, will then face Estonia in Tallinn on Oct 17.

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