Soccer gals target maiden semi-final place

Ahead of their final Group A match against India tomorrow, the Thais are still far from certain of making the quarter-finals since they currently lie third in the group, level on three points with the Indians but behind on goals scored. The Thais need to beat India to ensure they finish in second and earn automatic qualification along with unbeaten South Korea. A draw or defeat would mean an anxious wait to discover whether they squeeze through as the best third-placed team. A semi-final place in Incheon would likely secure Thailand a place among the seeded sides at the next Asiad.  

Yesterday, Nuengrutai led her team in light jogging around the athletes village after the hosts’ failure to provide a training ground. She said she was far from pleased with her players’ physical condition in the first two matches, which saw them lose 5-0 to the Koreans before bouncing back to beat minnows Maldives 10-0. “We need more international friendlies to prepare for next year’s Women’s World Cup,” said Nuengrutai, who this year steered her side to a historic maiden berth in next June’s World Cup in Canada.