Kiatisak wants 'perfect' group stage after S'pore win
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Three-time champions Thailand are now targeting a perfect record in the group stage after getting their Asean Championship campaign off to a winning start against titleholders Singapore.
On their last visit to the city-state, the Thais lost 2-1 in the first leg of the 2012 final, which ultimately saw Singapore clinch a record fourth title with a 3-2 aggregate victory. But on Sunday the Thais exacted revenge by beating Bernd Stange’s side by the same scoreline to lead the way in Group B.
Mongkol Thosakrai’s early long-range strike was cancelled out by Khairul Amri’s 20th-minute effort before Thai-Swiss midfielder Charyl Chappuis, whose participation was in doubt ahead of the kick-off, converted a late penalty awarded for handball to snatch a 2-1 win at the new National Stadium.
The value of the hard-fought victory was enhanced given that 2010 winners Malaysia were held to a goalless draw by Myanmar earlier in the day, meaning the Thais set the early pace in the race for the semi-finals of the biennial tournament.
After watching his players claim a vital win, the 41-year-old Kiatisak Senamuang, in charge in his first tournament since being officially appointed as national coach last month, said the team would go for the maximum points in the group stage.
“The team exceeded expectations [against Singapore] so we’re confident at this stage that we can finish the first round with a maximum nine points. But we haven’t set our sights on the title just yet.
“We have passed one test, with six more to come [to become champions]. I prefer to take it step-by-step. I told the lads there are still things to correct from the Singapore game. I rated our performance only 70 per cent,” said the former national striker, nicknamed “Zico” by fans and media.
Kiatisak gave thanks for the warm welcome from Thais living in Singapore after his side arrived in the city-state on Friday and said he was counting on even stronger support for their second group match against Malaysia tomorrow.
“I’m very grateful to the owner of Beer Thai Garden restaurant, who has provided the lads Thai food three times every day. For the second game, I think we will receive more support because the venue is closer to the Thai community in Singapore. That would be great for our players.”
Football Association of Thailand president Worawi Makudi, who visited the players at the team hotel, has offered handsome incentives for continued success against the Malaysians.
“If we beat Malaysia, they will get Bt1 million plus Bt200,000 for each goal they score. This is on top of the Bt12 million they will get for winning the title.
Worawi shrugged off concern over the artificial pitch being used for tomorrow’s match.
“I don’t see it as a problem, because the team have already trained on the same kind of pitch, at [Bangkok Glass FC’s] Leo Stadium. We will also get a chance to train at the venue before the match,” said Worawi.
