Kiatisak positive as team embarks on ME trip

The Thai side, who dropped from the 120th to the 135th spot in the latest world rankings, are at the bottom of Group B standings after losing their opening two matches against Saudi Arabia (1-0) and Japan (2-0) earlier this month. Reigning Asian champions Australia lead the way after making a perfect start to their campaign with two wins out of two games. 

Thailand will resume their campaign with a trip to Abu Dhabi to take on an UAE side, who stunned four-time Asian champions Japan 2-1 in their group opener, on October 6 followed by a clash against Iraq due to be held at neutral venue in Iran five days later.

Twenty-three players, led by Muangthong United duo Chanathip Songkrasin and Teerasil Dangda, reported for national duty earlier in the day before boarding a flight to UAE in the evening to start their preparations for the two crucial matches.  

 “We have 10 days before we play against UAE. Everyone is fit except for Mika Chunuonsee, who needed to withdraw due to injury. We replaced him with Adisorn Promrak. The rest of the team are all familiar faces    

“We need players who have a good understanding of our tactics. The trips to UAE and Iraq are not easy. However, we are trying to get the message across to the players that we need to show determination and step up to Asian level.  

“Of course, we want to get points on board and I believe they are not superior to us. Hopefully, luck will favour us this time. We will take nothing for granted. We will focus on every point. We want to take at least four points.   

“Against UAE, we hope to claim a point, while we twice drew with Iraq [in the previous round] so we have a chance to win,” said the 43-year-old Thai coach.