Thais face World Cup crunch against Iran

 

Thailand are looking to bounce back from their 4-0 loss at the hands of Iraq in Baghdad last week with victory over Asian Games gold medallists and 1998 World Cup qualifiers Iran in Bangkok next Saturday.

Captain Kiatisuk Senamuang said his side need to defeat the three-time Asian Cup winners if they are to have a chance of challenging for one of the continent’s places in Korea and Japan next year.

In an effort to focus the players’ minds on the clash, the Thai squad have relocated to Chulachomklao Military Academy in Nakhon Nayok and it is a move that has been applauded by the national team captain.

"There are no entertainment places nearby and no distractions. We can concentrate solely on training," he said.

"We still have seven matches to play and we know we have to beat Iran next week."

Thailand, playing for the first time in this phase of Asia’s qualifying tournament, last faced Iran at the Asian Cup in Lebanon last year and drew with the Persians 1-1 in Beirut.

BANGKOK, Aug 31 (AFP)
Thailand are banking on home advantage to help them pull off a World Cup upset against Asian powerhouses Iran here on Saturday.
The Thais, drubbed 4-0 by Iraq in their opening match in the Asian zone second qualifying round, know a home defeat by the group A favourites will effectively mean the end of their dream of making it to the finals in South Korea and Japan next year.
English coach Peter Withe admits his squad are facing a do-or-die situation.
But he voiced confidence that his squad were capable of matching the highly-rated Iranians, who have qualified for two previous World Cups and looked impressive in their opening match, a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
"Iran played very well in their previous match and showed how strong their attacking game is, but it doesn't mean they are perfect," Withe said.
"In fact they are too slow in defending.
"It will be a good chance for our team which has plenty of fast strikers such as Kiatisak Senamuang, Sakesan Piturat and Suthee Suksomkij.
"Their players are big and we have to mark them while at the same time avoiding fouls in the penalty area."
"If everything goes as planned I'm sure we will definitely get the point."
Thai midfielder Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul urged local supporters, most of whom are more interested in the fortunes of their favourite English premiership team than their national squad, to get behind the players.
"It will be tough, but this game is very important" he said. "We are ready, and if we receive a lot of support I am confident the game will be quite close."
Thailand managed a draw with Iran in last year's Asian Cup finals in Lebanon and officials are hoping the 65,000-capacity Rajamangala Stadium will be at least half full on Saturday night.
"If the fans cheer a lot, surprises can happen and we may win," team manager Wirat Chanpanich told AFP.
The winner of the five-team group qualifies for the finals automatically with the runner-up playing off against the second team in group B of the Asian zone. The winner of that match then faces a European runner-up for a place in the finals.
Thailand have already surpassed expectations by making it to the second round of qualifying. Wirat said they were determined to make the most of the remaining matches, whatever the outcome.
"We have paid to see the movie. Whether it's happy or sad we have to watch it until the end," he said.
Iran, coached by Miroslav Blazevic, who led Croatia to the semi-finals in France 98, will be without key player Karim Bagheri.
The midfielder, who spent four years in Germany and was one of Iran's stars during the last World Cup, suffered a knee injury during the team's training camp in Europe.