Thais aim to make point

Entering the second half of the group stage, the Kingdom are lying second in Group D with four points from three games, five adrift of runaway leaders Australia, who have a perfect record, and two ahead of a Saudi side still struggling to find their feet under former Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard.
In the first game of the doubleheader against Saudi Arabia, who are still waiting for their first win in a group which also includes Oman, the Thais had to settle for a goalless draw. The result left them ruing a missed opportunity to stretch their lead over the two Middle East countries in the race for the section’s remaining qualification spot.
The Thais, though, were fortunate to share the spoils, given the number of chances Saudi Arabia created in the game at Rajamangala Stadium. Saudi star forward Yasser alQahtani caused the Thai defence all sorts of problems with his deft touches and technique. Mohammed Noor also showed why Thailand’s German coach Winfried Schaefer singled him out as the main threat, with the midfielder orchestrating most of the Saudis’ dangerous attacks.
In contrast, Schaefer’s men barely threatened, with Teerasil Dangda, playing on his own up front, largely ineffective against a rugged Saudi defence. The players’ fitness remained a concern as the Thais visibly ran out of stream in the closing stages, when they were hanging onto the draw rather than going in search of a win.
 So the 61-year-old German trainer, who has breathed new life into the Thai side since taking the post in July, could be forgiven if he only comes away with a draw this time, which would at least maintain the gap to the Saudis.
The absence of injured Muang Thong United striker Teerasil means that Thailand’s injury problems will bite deeper as Rangsan Vivatchaichok, who earned huge praise from Schaefer for his display in the Rajamangala fixture, is likely to sit out of the game. The Buriram PEA midfielder could barely walk this week after suffering soreness in his right foot. Surat Sukha, struggling with a nagging ankle injury, was expected to be fit enough to start the game, though.
The empty space up front left by Teerasil’s absence is likely to be filled by Chonburi FC’s diminutive forward Pipob Onmo, whose ability to drop deep and help out in midfield reportedly earned him the nod over Apichart Sareepim.
Schaefer, who led Cameroon to the Africa Nations Cup title nine years ago, believes his charges are more than capable of taking at least a point.
“We’re now ready for the game tomorrow. Most of our tactics are focused on defending. We need to keep it tight at the back against such strong opponents.
“We have also worked on how to cope with the Saudis’ pressing game. We need to play a longball game, which will push the pressure back on them. Everyone has to stay focused throughout the 90 minutes. If the players stick strictly to the plan, we will claim at least a point. With some luck, we might even win all three.”