Kiatisak frustrated by Thailand's toothless display
Thailand's under-23 team coach Kiatisak "Zico" Senamuang was disappointed at his team's performance after they had to settle with only a goalless draw with unfancied Cambodia in their final Group B match in the men's soccer competition of the SEA Games in
After being assured of a semifinal berth, the 40-year-old Kiatisak took the opportunity to make a wholesale change against bottom side Cambodia, who had lost all their previous three matches ahead of the clash at Thuwanna stadium in Rangoon.
Thailand’s second-string side, though, was unable to find a way past the Cambodian defence which had leaked seven goals in three group matches. Although the result ensured the Thai team clinched top spot of the group, former national striker Kiatisak was far from happy with his charges’ toothless display. The draw meant the Thais failed to beat Cambodia for the first in 42 years in the biennial tournament.
“Our “B” team are still not good enough, especially the understanding of the game and the attacking play, which is far from fluid. There’s still a gap with the first-choice team. The result, though, would not affect the players psychologically.
“Our target remained the same and that’s the gold medal. We need to keep moving forward. We don’t need to avoid anyone. We’re ready to face any team in the next round,” said Kiatisak, whose side will encounter Singapore in the semifinals on December 19 in Myanmar’s new capital, Nay Pyi Taw.
