Kiatisak backs Thai pace to slash Samurais
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Coach Kiatisak Senamuang is likely to keep faith with the same side that battled to a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in their opener on Wednesday, as Thailand go into today’s clash against pacesetters and Group B favourites Japan in the AFC U-23 Championship.
The Thais head into the fixture at Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha two points behind table-topping Japan, who launched their campaign with a 10 win over North Korea.
Kiatisak has his full squad to choose from and will be aiming to collect maximum points in a bid for a top-two spot that would guarantee passage into the knockout rounds.
However, the 42-year-old Thai coach has warned his charges to be cautious of the long-ball strategy Japan used in their opening triumph.
“We sent [assistant] coach Choke [Choketawee Promrat] on a scouting mission to Japan’s match against North Korea, and the information is that the Japanese adopt longball tactics for their tall striker, while their left-winger is a real threat.
“I told the players not to commit fouls in dangerous areas, especially on the flanks, which would offer them chances to launch aerial attacks. Our goal is to claim the three points to qualify for the last eight.”
The former national striker, whose name was in the top-10 list of all-time international scorers, added:
“I’m convinced our players can match the Japanese … we showed in the first game [against the Saudis] that we don’t fear any opponent.”
Kiatisak also revealed that striker Chenrop Samphaodi, who sustained a knock during the Saudi game, has returned to training and should be available for today’s fixture, while the key trio of captain Chanathip Songkrasin, Tanaboon Kesarat and Peerapat Notechaiya are all ready to play.
Kiatisak’s righthand man Choketawee suggested that the Saudi side are stronger than the Japanese.
“In my view, the Saudis played better than Japan. That doesn’t mean they’re not good: we still have to play as well as we did against the Saudis. We must avoid conceding early.
“The Japanese have strong-built players at the back but they have problems handling quick opponents. We have several pacey players who can cause them problems,” said Choketawee.
Channel 7 will televise the match live from 8.30pm.
