So much optimism but in the end, a damp squib
Unhappy national coach Milovan Rajevac is promising better results in future after Thailand’s 2-0 loss to China in Bangkok.
Competing on a rain-sodden pitch at the Rajamangala National Stadium on Saturday, Thailand once again missed chance after chance while Marcello Lippi’s side capitalised on their fewer opportunities, with rising star Lei Wu netting both goals in the 34th and 74th minutes to clinch victory in the friendly international.
“I’m disappointed with the result,” the Serbian admitted. “The first goal was due to our mistake. The second goal was one player [Lei Wu] against three [Thais]. We have to avoid this situation, not let it happen again in future.”
Thousands of fans defied the second-half rain hoping to see the Kingdom salvage something from the tight contest but it wasn’t to be, a few wayward shots by Consadole Sapporo striker Chanathip Sonkrasin proving to be the nearest the home side would get.
“We created many chances but unfortunately we didn’t manage to score any goals,” Rajevac said .
“Luckily this was a friendly game, we hope to be luckier in competitive matches. We have to be more productive in terms of scoring in the future,” the Serbian coach said.
The Serbian coach also bemoaned that a lack of Thai strikers in the Thai League was one of the reasons why finishing was always a problem for the national side.
“In the Thai League, most of the striking positions are taken by foreigners, so it’s tough for us. However, we will try to improve this aspect,” he said.
The Thai team will remain in camp at Le Meridian Suvarnabhumi until Tuesday as they begin preparing for the AFF Suzuki Cup in November.
However, three J-League internationals Chanathip, Teerasil Dangda and Theerathon Bunmathan will not be available for that tournament due to club commitments in Japan.
