Goalkeeper Kawin tells team not to lower the guard

The Thais endured the worst possible start to their campaign to qualify for the World Cup for the first time, losing to Saudi Arabia (1-0) and Japan (2-0) in their opening two matches earlier this month.     

Lying at the bottom of Group B without a point and even a goal, coach Kiatisak Senamuang’s side now face two vital games in Middle East to keep their qualification hopes alive, starting with a trip to Abu Dhabi to take on 66thranked UAE on October 6. They then encounter Iraq, also without a point, at a neutral ground in Iran five days later. 

With the Thais in Abu Dhabi since Tuesday to start their preparations for the UAE fixture, Kawin said his team need to wary of the Gulf opponents, who have three points following a shock 2-1 win over Japan in their group opener. 

“The atmosphere was good at our first training session. Everyone showed keen interest in the drills. 

“ UAE are formidable opponents and have beaten Japan. We are preparing for a tough game. My feeling is that they may have a weak spot that we can exploit. We can’t afford to be complacent but do our duty as best as possible.”  

Meanwhile, national coach Kiatisak singled out UAE midfielder Omar Abdulrahman, whose shaggy hair catches as much attention as his subtle skills, as the biggest threat to his side after he inspired Al Ain to a 3-1 victory over Qatar’s El Jaish in their AFC Champions League semifinal first leg. 

“I watched how Al Ain play as a team. They used the same 4-4-2 formation as the UAE,” Kiatisak said of the club that supplied seven players including captain Abdulrahman to the UAE side. 

“He is very strong and dangerous, equipped with excellent technique. Nevertheless, we have enough information about the UAE team,” he said.