Schaefer banking on Spain-sharpened Teerasil
Thailand coach Winfried Schaefer is hoping his players can make home advantage count when they embark on their Asian Cup qualifying campaign against Kuwait at Rajamangala National Stadium today.
After missing out on a place in the finals two years ago in Qatar, the Thais are seeking a return to the continental showpiece, due to be held in Australia in two years’ time. However, they have been drawn in a difficult Group B alongside powerhouses Iran, fast-improving Lebanon and Kuwait.
With only the top two qualifying for the finals, the 62-year-old German trainer is counting on home support to help deliver a winning start against a dangerous Kuwait side, who finished third in the recent Gulf Cup.
“It’s a crucial game for us. I’m hoping to see a full-house tomorrow. With the fans firmly behind us, I’m pretty confident we can get the first three points,” said Schaefer.
He urged his players to show the same spirit that saw them through to the Asean showdown in December, where they lost 3-2 on aggregate to Singapore .
“I told the lads to fight for the fans and the country. I want to see them play like they did against Singapore in the final of the Asean Championship.
“[But] we have to acknowledge that Kuwait are a very strong team. So it’s a very difficult test for us. We need to put our opponents under pressure. We know that if we fight together, we can bag maximum points,” said the German, who last month led his side to joint third place in the King’s Cup.
Schaefer is also banking on the form of striker Teerasil Dangda, back in the team after returning from a trial with Atletico Madrid.
“I noticed that he has made improvements since coming back from Spain. He seems to have more confidence after his chance to train with such a top team. I believe he is the best striker in the region. I hope he can lead us to victory.”
NBT Channel will televise the match live from 7pm.
Fixtures
Group A: Oman v Syria
Jordan v Singapore
Group B: Iran v Lebanon
Thailand vs Kuwait
Group C: Iraq v Indonesia
Saudi Arabia v China
Group D: Yemen v Bahrain
Qatar v Malaysia
Group E: Uzbekistan v Hong Kong
Vietnam v United Arab Emirates
