Iraqis will now see Thailand differently, says Kiatisak

The 137th-ranked Thai side appeared destined to suffer its first defeat of the joint World Cup and Asian Cup qualifying campaign as Kiatisak’s men were staring down the barrel, 2-0 behind and only ten minutes remaining.

However, the hosts refused to cave in, with captain and Buriram United left back Theerathon Bunmathan starting the fightback with a 80th-minute penalty before Mongkol Tossakrai arrived at the far post to bundle home a cross to complete a remarkable comeback that sparked wild celebrations at the packed stadium.

According to Kiatisak, the Iraq test made his team realise how difficult it was when it comes to competing at the continental level. On the other hand, it would bring change in Iraqis’ perception of the Thai side that recently established a stranglehold in the region with triumphs at ASEAN Championship last December and SEA Games earlier this year.

“We hope to become one of the leading sides in Asia. I think the Iraqis would see our team differently from now on.

 “Before the game, the Iraqi coach considered us as a middleranked side in Asia. So, he was a bit embarrassed after we managed to claw our way back. That’s a good omen. Though, we need to take a longterm look at it,” said the 41-year-old former national striker.

Kiatisak also hailed the home support as well as the fighting spirit of his players that kept them top of the Group F standings with seven points from three games, three ahead of group favourites Iraqi, who played one game less.

“We need to accept that Iraq team are really strong. At halftime (1-0 behind), I told the lads that we must get back into the game. I’m grateful to the fans for their support. They made the players run with their spirited show of support.

“The two substitutes, Tana Chanabut and Sarawut Masuk, also did a good job when they came on after the break. More importantly, the spirit of the lads is really admirable. Some of them suffered a cramp but they didn’t give up. Today, we showed that we don’t need to have your first eleven because we could count on everyone.”

Skipper Theerathon was full of praise for his teammates and fans.    

“I tried to motivate everyone after the break. With the fans turning up in great numbers, we thought that we must not let them down. I really believed that we will be able to compete with them if we were calmer and played our game.

“Going two nil behind, it did affect our morale. But, after claiming a goal back, the momentum was with us. With the cheers from the crowd as well as new players coming in, we eventually managed to claim a draw,” said Theerathon.    

 Both Thailand and Iraq next face thirdplaced Vietnam in Hanoi in October.