Statistics against Thailand as they face formidable Iran
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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 secondplaced 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 worldclass 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.
