Bangkok
If statistics are anything to go by, struggling Thailand have little chance of pulling off a much-needed victory over group leaders Iran in the Asian Cup qualifier at home to keep their faint hopes of qualification alive.
The Thai team are languishing at the bottom of Group B without a single point from three matches. Anything less than a win in tomorrow’s fixture at Rajamangala National Stadium means would all but end their hopes of clinching one of two automatic qualifying spots from a group that also includes Kuwait and Lebanon.
The outcome of the last 11 encounters between the two sides makes unpleasant reading for the Thais, who have yet to win a match against their Middle East opponents, managing to claim only three draws. In the most recent meeting in October, the Thai team were beaten 2-1 in Tehran, with Teerasil Dangda becoming the first Thai player to score on Iranian turf.
National coach Surachai Jaturapattarapong has no illusions as to the size of the task against an Iran side coached by former Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz. Thailand will then visit second placed Kuwait in the penultimate group match on Tuesday.
“We need to be cautious and play with maximum concentration. Even though we’re at home, the Iranians are a world class team. Nevertheless, if we’re clinical up front, there’s still a chance we can win the match,” said Surachai, who took over the post following the departure of veteran German trainer Winfried Schaefer.
Iran is going for a win in Bangkok on Friday. Although the 3 points will not assure them of qualification , in practical terms, it means they only need 2 point from the last remaining two matches to qualify to Australia 2015.
Rajamangala stadium is not expected to be full for the match against Iran. The Thai fans have grown despondent with their team’s lack of success at Asian level and even on regional. The Thai fans have hardly shown much enthusiasm for their national team and the local domestic league , reserving their energy and passion for visiting European teams on tours, instead. Teams like Arsenal and Manchester United , who have large fan-base in Thailand, can easily attract full capacity crowds in Rajamangala , despite the meaningless matches they play. English teams normally play against the Thai representative or selections in what mostly turns out to be one-sided affairs with very little competition. Despite the lack of competition and true spirit of football in these exhibition matches, the Thai fans prefer attending them over their national team matches.
There is also a threat of a general strike in Bangkok on Friday that might dampen the enthusiasm of many fans. What all these means for Iran , is that the Thai fans will not be playing a major supporting role and shall not be a factor they have to count on. Small pockets of vociferous fans are always there , but it will be hardly an Azadi atmosphere.
The match will kick off at 15:30 Tehran times.