Thailand meet Indonesia, try to emerge winners of Group E

Both sides won their opening two games and secured their berths in the first knock-out round, with the Thai side trailing behind in second spot on goal difference. The match at Incheon Football stadium consequently would decide which side would advance as the group’s winners.

Given the history of intense rivalry between the two southeast Asian countries, who have long battled for regional supremacy, there is more than just three points at stake in the game, which shapes up to be another typically fiercely-fought affair.

In the two most recent clashes at the SEA Games in Myanmar, it was the Thais, who came out on top to reclaim the title for the first time in six years. So, revenge is certainly on the agenda for the Indonesians.

The Thais also have plenty of reasons to be wary of an Indonesian side, who have so far been in scintillating form, scoring 11 goals in their victories over Timor Leste (7-0) and Maldives (4-0).

With top spot meaning possibly an easier task in the round of 16 against a side who finishes as Group F runners-up, the Thai side coached by former national striker Kiatisak Senamuang needed a reminder of how important the victory was over Indonesia, who are on the rise again after many years of underachievement.

The 41-year-old Kiatisak, the architect of Thailand’s SEA Games triumph, was hoping his under-23 side would be able to stamp its authority over Indonesia again in the game in which he said the two countries’ pride was at stake. “It’s a battle where the country’s pride is on the line. So, we need to win. I’ve never lost to Indonesia in my career both as a player and coach. We’ll take the initiative from the first minute in order to get the win.

“Anyway, I don’t want to put the players under pressure because no matter whether we finish first or second we’re ready to face any side. But, what matters now is that the lads need to be careful not to get injured because I think it would be rough against the Indonesians.”

The Thai side have to make do without suspended central defender ChitipatThanklang, with Tanaboon Kesarat expected to be dropped down from midfield to slot in at the heart of defence. Sarach Yooyen keeps his place in midfield even though he would be suspended for the last-16 tie should he get another caution in today’s fixture.    

 

Thailand wallop India

Meanwhile, Thailand roared into the quarter-finals of women’s soccer competition in the Asian Games after a thumping 10-0 victory over India in their final Group A match. Nisa Romyen and Kanchana Sung-ngoen scored four goals apiece in the first half to set the Thais on the way to a lopsided win, which allowed the Thais to follow South Korea to the last eight.