Thailand ready to bring glamorous Colombia
Thailand are ready to spend Bt100 million to bring in World Cup quarter-finalists Colombia to play an international exhibition match in Bangkok in November.
The side, led by new Manchester United loan-signing Radamel Falcao, has been approached by the Thai Football Association to take part in the “All Star World Cup In Thailand” match on November 16.
If the South Americans accept the invitation, Thai fans will likely get to watch Colombia’s two biggest stars, Falcao and Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez, in action at Rajamangala National stadium. The glamour fixture takes place on Fifa Day, slated for an international by world soccer governing body Fifa, meaning clubs are under obligation to release players for international duty.
The huge amount earmarked for the match has drawn criticism that the money is too much to stage a game that is nothing more than 90 minutes of entertainment. However, Suwat Sidthilaw, permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry, insisted the mouthwatering fixture was well worth it, especially in enhancing the image of the country.
“We received Bt60 million from the Sports Authority of Thailand, while the remaining Bt40 million is a matter for the Thai FA to raise from the sponsors. I believe we will get several benefits from hosting the game, particularly in boosting the image of the country.
“We can show the world that they can safely come to the country even though we’re now under a military rule. It would help promote the country’s tourism. The game would certainly be useful to the team’s preparations for the Suzuki Cup at the end of November.”
The game was initiated under the “returning happiness” policy of National Council for Peace and Order by bringing one of the world’s top eight football teams to play against the Thai side. Should Colombia decline, Suwat says a star-studded Argentinian side and the Netherlands would be lined up as replacements.
“We want to return happiness to the people by giving away as many as 20,000 tickets free, while the other 29,000 will go on sale at affordable rates. We have to wait until next week to see whether Colombia agree or not.
“If they don’t come, we’re prepared to invite other teams such as Argentina and the Netherlands, who have so far not scheduled a match on that day,” said Suwat.
Begovic thrilled at world record goal
Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic expressed pride after his freak goal against Southampton last season was included in the Guinness World Records book. The Bosnian international scored in a Premier League game at the Britannia Stadium in November when a wind-assisted clearance bounced over opposite number Artur Boruc only 13 seconds after kick-off. The distance of the strike was measured at 91.9 metres and it has now been recorded as “the longest goal scored in football”.
