Tanaboon says Thailand determined to win

The losses have left the Thai side, the only team out of the 12 sides in the decisive qualifying round not to claim a point, at the bottom of the group.

The group is topped by Saudi Arabia, with the Socceroos two points off the summit.

“Not winning a game has made us more resolute than ever,” said the versatile Tanaboon, who started his career in the midfield.

“We fought harder but the results were not going our way. We don’t have any distinct advantage over other teams at all. In fact, we’re inferior to all of them. We tried to fight and play our way. But it did not work out.

“We may not be able to compete sometimes but we fight our hearts out, trying to make life difficult for the opponents.”

Despite Australia, ranked No 40 in the world, being Asia’s second best-ranked team and boasting an unbeaten record in the group, Tanaboon said the pressure would be on the Socceroos, who are bidding to reach their fourth consecutive finals.

“Australia is a strong side, without doubt. They’re dangerous with crosses from both flanks because they have tall strikers. They’re also very good with through balls from midfield, which is something we need to be careful.

“Even though we didn’t win a game yet, I think Australia would feel more pressure than us,” said Tanaboon, the country’s most expensive player after making a switch from Thai League champions Muangthong United to Chiangrai United for a reported fee of Bt50 million last month.

With the team coming under scrutiny after a disastrous campaign in only their second appearance in the Asian final qualifying round, the 23-year-old called on the fans to get behind the team on Tuesday at Rajamangala National Stadium.

“We want to keep on fighting. We don’t give up. We understand the criticism from the fans. We want to see our supporters at the game. We hope to see a full-house crowd again. We’ll show we’re determined as ever,” he said.