Rookie Sirod could be Thais’ secret weapon in Mideast
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National rookie striker Sirod Chatthong has vowed to give his utmost to help Thailand get their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track when they encounter UAE and Iraq in a doubleheader in the Middle East next week.
The Thai side are lying bottom of Group B in the last-12 team Asian qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia after losing their opening two games to Saudi Arabia (1-0) and Japan (2-0) earlier this month.
Thailand, whose Fifa ranking of 135th makes them the lowest-ranked team in Asia’s decisive qualifying round, next face an UAE side that stunned four-time Asian champions Japan 2-1 in their group opener in Abu Dhabi on October 6, followed by a clash against Iraq five days later.
After earning his first call-up to the national senior side for this campaign, the 23-year-old said he was ready to fight for the country after starting to find his feet in the team.
“It’s fine. The weather in UAE is better than in Qatar or Saudi Arabia. I’m physically ready,” said the strongly-built forward, whose side have started their preparations for the UAE fixture on Tuesday.
“Getting a call-up again, I don’t feel as much pressure as the previous time. I am more accustomed to the senior [players]. That makes it easier for me to settle in.
“I really hope our fans get behind us, which would motivate us to fight and keep running for them,” said the player, who plies his trade with second-tier club Ubon UMT United.
Meanwhile, national midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin stressed how crucial it was that Thailand return home with positive results from the Middle East.
“I’m ready to play but I need to be careful in training to avoid injury. It would not be good if anyone of us gets injured with the game beckoning. I’m confident that we can take home points from these two games,” said the Muangthong United player.
Reigning Asian champions Australia lead the way in Group B after winning their opening two matches, ahead of Saudi Arabia on goal difference.
Japan and UAE have three points each, while Thailand and Iraq are yet to earn any points in the group.
