Coach Kiatisak plotting to get W'Cup dream back on track

The Kingdom lost their opening two Group B games in Asia’s third and final qualifying round as a bitter 1-0 loss away to Saudi Arabia was followed by a 20 defeat by Japan at the packed Rajamangala National Stadium on Tuesday.  
It may still be early stages but the Kingdom’s campaign already look doomed as they sit bottom of the group without a point or goal after two matches. Next up for Kiatisak’s side are back-to-back away games against UAE and Iraq, who also failed to claim any point from their first two games, on October 6 and 11 respectively.  
Acutely aware that his side could ill afford any more slip ups if they were to qualify for the finals in Russia in two years’ time, Kiatisak started planning to ensure no stone was left unturned before the crucial trips to Middle East next month.   
“We would leave for UAE on October 1 to get acclimatised to the conditions there. We would probably have four days of training before the game. That would allow us to prepare the team tactically.
“After the UAE fixture on October 6, we will continue training in UAE before flying to Iran [the neutral venue for Iraq game] three days before we face Iraq on October 11. It’s the same when we prepared for a visit to Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, I’ll discuss the plan with my staff again,” said the former national striker.
The Thai coach admitted the team, ranked 120th, the lowest in the Asia’s decisive qualifying round, were comprehensively beaten by four-time Asian champions Japan, given that only a combination of a string of fine saves by Kawin Thamsatchanan and poor finishing spared them from heavier defeat.
“We had to correct our mistakes throughout the game. I found a certain satisfaction with the outcome as we could have conceded goals on many occasions. “In terms of personnel and tactics, there is obvious difference between the two sides. We had to make some adjustments in midfield [due to Sarach Yooyen’s suspension] and that affected the team. [Charyl] Chappuis needed to drop deeper than usual and that’s something he was not familiar with. Overall, I am happy that the players showed fighting spirit.”
With his side still to face Asian champions Australia in the group, the 43-year-old reckoned things were not going to be any easier for the Thais.
“The next match [against UAE] will be tough for us. In fact, all the games are difficult at this stage. I hope our fans recognise that our players did their best. We’re fortunate to come this far,” he said.