Thailand can put a huge dent in the World Cup ambitions of Saudi Arabia and coach Frank Rijkaard when they meet in the group stage of Asian qualifying on Tuesday.
The top-two teams from each of the five, four-team groups progress to the final round qualifying, and after earning just one point from its opening two Group D matches, Saudi Arabia can't afford to lose in Bangkok to an improving Thailand team.
Rijkaard, former coach of Barcelona and the Netherlands, was appointed by Saudi Arabia in July and charged with leading the Asian powerhouse to a fifth World Cup.
An opening goall ess draw in Oman was followed by a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Australia last month. Thailand lies second in the group after a narrow loss at Australia and a 3-0 home win over Oman.
"It won't be easy, but we can win this match," Thailand coach Winfried Schaefer told Associated Press. "We can go to the next round. I told my players this. Our dream is the World Cup, it is not easy but that is our target.
"I hope we can play at the same level as we played against Oman and Australia. Then we have a chance."
Since taking over in July, Schaefer, who led Cameroon to the 2002 African Nations title, has been praised for the team's improvements
"I told them that if they play well for the national team, everyone in the world will be able to see them," the German said. "The players are confident and we have worked hard on fitness and tactics. We are not afraid."
Schaefer, who spent five years coaching in the UAE, knows that the pressure is alread y on his opposite number Rijkaard.
"He is a big-name in playing and coaching, but the mentality in Arabian countries is different," he said. "The team is under pressure after losing to Australia in what was a very good performance from Australia."
{ 0 comments... Views All / Send Comment! }
Posting Komentar