Thai footballers target semis, China stand in way

The Thai men’s Asian Games football team will look to book a place in the final four on Saturday afternoon when they take on group winners China in a mouth-watering quarter-final at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The Thais progressed as runners-up from Group A on six points, while China topped Group B with five, setting up a tie that coach Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul has already flagged as anything but straightforward.

Thailand will be boosted by the return of Thanakrit Chotmuangpak and Sittha Boonlha, both of whom are back after suspension, while China will be without one player who picked up a ban of their own.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Thawatchai struck a note of respect for opponents Thailand have faced on several occasions this year.

“We have played against China many times this year. The Chinese team has developed very well. In the Asian Championship, they were the runners-up after losing to Japan in the final match,” he said.

“This match, we will have Yotsakorn [Burapha], Thanakrit and Sittha back. We made a rotation for the previous match to ensure that our key players are in good condition for the game with China.”

The coach added that China’s continuity as a unit made them a formidable proposition.

“The Chinese team have good potential and have been playing together for a long time, helping them develop good teamwork. It won’t be easy for us at all to face China this time, but we have prepared well.”

He was confident, however, that his side could go one better than their meeting with China at the Asian Championship.

“This will be a different match from the Asian Championship game, which we drew with the Chinese team. This time, we will try to do our best and have nothing to worry about, as we have reached the knockout stage.”

Striker Jehhanafee Mamah echoed his coach’s optimism, insisting the squad were fully primed for the knockout stages after a mixed group campaign.

The quarter-final kicks off at 1pm Thai time, and will be broadcast live on Thai Rath TV (channel 32) and AIS Play.