BANGKOK, THAILAND // Thailand are hoping to spring a “surprise” against the UAE in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier and create their own piece of history, according to new manager Milovan Rajevac.
The South-East Asians, bottom of Group B and with no chance of reaching Russia next summer, host fourth-placed UAE at the Rajamangala Stadium seeking a first victory at this stage of qualification.
The qualifier represents Rajevac’s first competitive game in charge, with the experienced Serbian replacing Kiatisuk Senamuang in April. Thailand, who lost the corresponding fixture 3-1 in October, have a solitary point from their seven matches and are ranked by Fifa at 127th in the world – 52 places below the UAE.
“Although we don’t have a chance to qualify for World Cup, we can make another step with an historic win, so we are motivated,” Rajevac said. “We’re all aware of this and so are ready to give our best. We’ve prepared for this match. Any positive result is good for our future.”
Thailand are missing a number of key players, with striker Teerasil Dangda unavailable and Muangthong United trio Theerathon Bunmathan, Chanatip Songkrasin – their star playmaker – and Tristan Do all injured.
“This has affected us from the beginning, even in the friendly last week [a 2-0 defeat to Uzbekistan],” Rajevac said. “We cannot do much about that, but all the players who came to the camp did their best and I have full faith in them. I’m sure they can put in a good performance for us.
“I know the UAE team from before: it’s almost the same generation and I remember them even when they played Under 21s. They’re a great team, as you can see in them having won nine points, have great quality and so are the favourites. But we are here to try and play our game, to do our best, and to surprise them and win the game.”
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McAuley in Bangkok
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Opposition scout
Background The Asean champions qualified for this stage by winning their pool in the previous round, topping Group F ahead of favourites Iraq. Thailand have one point from seven matches this far, secured in the 2-2 draw against Australia in November. They are ranked 127th in the world by Fifa and have never before appeared at a World Cup.
Star player – Tanaboon Kesarat With undoubted star Chanathip Songkrasin injured, Kesarat will be expected to step up in driving his teammates on. The versatile midfielder, who can also play at centre-back, moved last November from Thai giants Muangthong United to Chiangrai United for a reported 50 million baht (Dh5.4m) – making it the most expensive Thai transfer in history.
Key men
• Kawin Thamsatchanan The young-but-experienced goalkeeper's status in the squad is conveyed by the fact he wears the captain's armband. Typically plays with distinction for Muangthong.
• Adisak Kraisorn The forward should lead the line in Teerasil Dangda's absence. Has 19 goals in 34 league matches since joining Muangthong last year, while he has struck eight times for his national team.
Manager – Milovan Rajevac The 63-year-old Serbian took the job in April following Kiatisuk Senamuang's resignation. Took Ghana to the World Cup semi-finals in 2010, while he has experience of Gulf football having managed Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli and the Qatar national team. Spent two games in charge of Algeria last year.
Form (last six matches) W L W L L L
UAE head-to-head In the past six meetings, Thailand have won one and lost four. The two sides met most recently last October, with the UAE winning 3-1 in Abu Dhabi thanks to goals from Ali Mabkhout (2) and Ahmed Khalil.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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