Soccer team aim for semi-final breakthrough against S Korea
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Riding the crest of a wave, Thailand are hoping to reach the final of the men's football competition for the first time when they take on hosts South Korea at Munhak Stadium today.
The unbeaten Thai side made the Games semi-finals for the fourth time when they saw off Jordan 2-0 on Sunday courtesy of goals either side of half-time from Chanathip Songkrasin and Kroekrit Thawikan.
However, the Thais were unable to make it past the last four at 1990, 1998 and 2002 Games, having to settle for fourth spot on each occasion. But they looked primed to break through the barrier this time, thanks to a five-match winning streak without a goal conceded.
The odds, though, are stacked against them, with three-time champions South Korea, who have their sights firmly fixed on winning the gold on home soil, standing between them and the final.
The Korean men have even more incentive to beat the Thais – winning the gold would earn them exemption from compulsory two-year military service. Undoubtedly, the Thai side will face their toughest test yet at the Games against the host, in what is expected to be a sold-out match.
Having watched his players pull off upset wins over China and Jordan in the knockout rounds so far, Thai coach Kiatisak Senamuang is convinced there is no reason why his team can’t claim another major scalp.
“We’re ready for the match tomorrow, even though we have only one day to recover after the Jordan game. The lads are all in good shape now. More importantly, they’re very strong psychologically. They’re ready to give it 100 per cent.
“Initially, I set the target of a semi-final place but by reaching this stage we should fear no one. I will use the same side from the previous rounds against the Koreans for the sake of continuity,” the 41-year-old coach told reporters on the eve of the match.
Against the hosts, the former national striker wants to ensure his men keep their tempers in check, particularly should a refereeing decision go against them.
“I told the lads about the external factors and what we would face when we play away from home, like the pressure from the home fans on the referee.
“If the official makes a decision in favour of the home side, we just have to keep on playing. We need to control our tempers otherwise it could play into their hands.”
Kiatisak also confirmed that a Japanese club, so far unnamed, had shown interest in a Thailand player but declined to reveal the name of the man in question as he wanted him to focus on the job in hand.
“After the Jordan match, a J-League club came to me, saying they wanted to sign a Thai player. I told them not to start talking about it since I wanted my players to concentrate on the South Korea match.
“I also suggested that they contact the player’s club directly.”
The winners of the Thailand-South Korea match will face either North Korea or Iraq in the final on October 2. Channel 3 will televise the match live from 6pm.
