NEWS ARCHIVES 1999

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Brazil will defend Cup title 24/12/99
Atop Brazilian selection will defend their title in the King's Cup football tournament next year in Bangkok together with Morocco and Finland.

The King's Cup will be held February 20-26.

Kiatisak still looking for elusive goal 17/12/99

Air Force crowned champions after thrashing BBC 12/12/99

Kiatisak gets work permit  09/12/99

Zico set for another outing  08/12/99

Thailand's prospects look good 08/12/99

CALTEX PREMIER LEAGUE: Fancied teams stay in the hunt 2/12/99

FOUR teams, PAT, RTAF, Tero Sassana and Osotspa, collected 36 points at the end of their penultimate matches yesterday to stand an equal chance of capturing this year's Caltex Premier League crown.

Three matches were contested at different venues yesterday. Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), who were fifth in the standing, yesterday took on Telephones Organisation of Thailand (TOT), lying fourth, at the Dhupatemiya Stadium. TOT dominated the game throughout, but could not break the deadlock. Sunai Jaidee scored the lone goal for RTAF in the 53rd minute, firing a free-kick from 20 metres into the TOT net.

At the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) Stadium, Apisit Khaikaew drew first blood for hosts PAT in the 71st minute, but Suthee Suksomkij scored the equaliser for Thai Farmers Bank (TFB) just four minutes later. The match ended 1-1.

Competing at the Mahanakorn University of Technology Stadium, hot favourites BEC Tero Sassana recovered from a one-goal deficit against Bangkok Metropolitan in the 45th minute to even the score in the 75th minute. Bangkok Metropolitan scored through Thorn Soraphume, while Jatupong Thongsuk found the equaliser for Tero Sassana.

Standing

Teams P W D L F A Pts

PAT 21 11 3 7 26 14 36

Tero Sassana 21 10 6 5 31 21 36

Osotspa 21 9 9 3 29 20 36

RTAF 21 10 6 5 33 27 36

TOT 21 10 5 6 25 20 35

TFB 20 8 8 4 35 25 32

Sinthana 21 9 8 2 28 25 30

Bangkok Bank 20 6 7 7 19 19 25

Krung Thai 21 5 10 6 28 31 25

RTA 21 7 4 10 23 27 25

Bangkok 21 6 5 10 23 27 23

Distar BBC 21 0 2 19 11 51 2

BY KOMKRIT NAPALAI

The Nation

FA wants to see Zico's record 25/11/99

Tor Chittinand

The English Football Association (FA) have asked their Thai counterparts to urgently fax details of the career of Kiatisak "Zico" Senamuang.

Sir Bobby's confident  23/11/99

ENGLAND has been widely criticised for spending an enormous amount of money on its World Cup 2006 bid campaign, but Sir Bobby Charlton is optimistic it will not be in vain.

''If we don't try, we'll not win anything,'' Sir Bobby told The Nation yesterday. ''And I think we will win because we have the best bid.''

With a big budget of 9.4 million pounds (about Bt590 million), England has shown the most enthusiasm, showering the international soccer community with loads of information about their readiness. It has also lent a helping hand to many developing countries and initiated many projects to impress Fifa member nations.

Among these programmes is an English invitation to 12 Thai children, and an equal number from each of the Fifa affiliated nations, to attend the 2006 World Cup -- if England hosts it.

And Sir Bobby himself yesterday devoted his time to teach football and meet children at the Human Developing Centre at Khlong Toei, which is the part of the Welcome to the World project.

''Young people are tomorrow's players, coaches, supporters and administrators. That is why we have made young people and the future of the game such an important part of our bid for the World Cup,'' Sir Bobby said.

''The next step could be for young Thai footballers to come to England and to spend time at the training academies of our clubs -- academies which are now producing the next generation of our Michael Owens and David Beckhams.''

Sir Bobby opposed Fifa's idea that it should be the African countries' turn to host the World Cup, saying: ''They will have chances to host it one day. Since the World Cup is a very big event now. I think they shouldn't hold the World Cup when they are not ready.''

Asked about Thailand's bid for hosting the 2008 Olympics, Sir Bobby said: ''I know it will be tough. For the World Cup, there are 24 Fifa members to impress. But for the Games, there are more than 90 members to vote.''

Money for the England 2006 campaign comes from three sources: the Sport Council, 20 English premier league clubs and the Football Association. But for Thailand's Games bid, the big part will come from the government's allocation alone.

However, Sir Bobby was encouraging, saying: ''Why not go for it? It's sure going to be a big step for Thailand.''

 BY WARARAK VORAVIDTHAYAKOM

The Nation

Delighted Kiatisak off to Huddersfield 18/11/99

Kiatisak cleared to play 11/11/99

Tor Chittinand

Thailand's top striker Kiatisak "Zico" Senamuang is set to play for English First Division club Huddersfield Town following the clearing up of paperwork with the Football Association of Thailand yesterday.

Kiatisak set to leave for Huddersfield 6/11/99

SOCCER UNDER-17 WORLD CUP: Fit Thais need good tactics 2/11/99

NATIONAL under-17 team head coach Somchart Yimsiri said yesterday that Thailand's Fifa World Championship-bound players were all fit, but he was still concerned about the squad's poor tactics and technique.

Thailand, who are Asian champions, left yesterday for New Zealand to take part in the world juniors final from Nov 10 to 27.

The team was seen off at the airport by Vijit Getkaew, president of the Football Association of Thailand, and Deputy Communications Minister and team manager Sonthaya Khunpluem.

Somchart said: ''It's a world-class tournament and we had to make sure our players are best-prepared for the challenge.

''As far as I know, our players, when compared with the other teams, are fit both physically and mentally. But when it comes to technique, we are still inexperienced. However, I'm optimistic that our determination and confidence will lead us to success.''

The head coach said he will use Thailand's warm-up games against New Zealand tomorrow and Paraguay the following day to assess the team's weak points and try to correct them before the start of the championship.

..........................

* Meawnhile, Shanghai informed the Football Association of Thailand that they would not be able to field the senior squad at the Queen's Cup due to a tight schedule at home.

They offered to send their under-21 team, the newly-crowned junior champions in China, instead, but this was turned down by the organisers who claimed that the deadline for such a confirmation lapsed on Sunday.

Four beaten teams in the qualifying round -- Rajpracha, Bangkok Bank, Krung Thai and Police -- were invited to play in a knockout play-off, but Krung Thai Bank declined and gave Rajpracha a walkover.

Somchai Han-iang scored the lone goal for Bangkok Bank in the 67th minute to give them a victory over Police yesterday. They will next meet Rajpracha on either Nov 9 or Nov 11. The winners will replace Shanghai at the Queen's Cup finals.

Eight teams have already booked their places in the finals from Nov 18 to 28. They are Thai Farmers Bank (defending champions), Royal Thai Army (hosts), Hanyang (South Korea), Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Thai Navy, Telephone Organisation of Thailand, Osotspa and another team from China.

BY KOMKRIT NAPALAI

The Nation

THAILAND UNDER-17Tough task ahead for youngsters  19/10/99 Tor Chittinand

Thailand's Under-17 team will be sent to the Fifa Under-17 World Championship next month in New Zealand.

Thawatchai Singapore bound  11/10/99

THAILAND'S Asian and SEA Games star Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul yesterday signed a deal with Singapore League side Sembawang that guarantees him a Bt80,000 monthly income.

A representative of the Singapore club had flown in to see Thawatchai in action during a Caltex Premier League game on Saturday and offer the midfielder a contract. Thawatchai plays for Osotspa.

While Thawatchai agreed to all terms of the contract, he refused to join Sembawang next week and make his debut for the club on Oct 23 when the Singapore Cup matches kick-off.

The Nation

Club willing to lend Zico a helping hand 24/9/99

RAJPRACHA Sports Club's manager Col ML Supridee Pravitra said yesterday he has no intention of spoiling Kiertisak Senamuang's plans to play professionally in England, but that the star striker's problem is that ''he does not know how to settle the deal with an invisible agent''.

''We are very happy to support him in his bid to play in England. Everything has been prepared, but, sadly, we've not been contacted at all by [second division] Huddersfield,'' ML Supridee said.

''We know nothing about the Huddersfield's decision. Lately, what we have learnt from the media is that the English club has agreed to increase his wage from PDS 600 per week to PDS 1,000 per week plus a PDS 500 bonus for each match he plays.

''We have not received any contract from Huddersfield. There hasn't been even a telephone call from the club. How can we sign the contract if we haven't even seen it.

''We know that he is the national hero. We respect his plans. We will be blamed, if we don't help him fulfil his dream. Unfortunately, our club's name has already been maligned by a misunderstanding in the media and his fans, although we have been working very hard to help him.

''Kiertisak himself doesn't understand what we have done for him. He has never tried to come to see us and we have also failed to contact him,'' complained the team manager, who is a son of the club president and founder Pol Maj Gen MR Chetchandra Pravitra.

Kiertisak, nicknamed Zico, on Wednesday said he would quit Rajpracha if his contract with Huddersfield is not finalised by the end of this month.

He said: ''I have no contract with Rajpracha. They signed me from Krung Thai Bank for Bt300,000 many years ago. That should be enough. Nowadays, I play for them because I had made them a promise. If the deal with Huddersfield is not settled by the end of this month, I will no longer play for Rajpracha.''

ML Supridee said: ''We signed him from Krung Thai Bank, but, as all clubs in Thailand, we are just an amateur club. We don't have to have any signed contract with the player. He is now like a person who has been registered in one house. He cannot move out of the house without the approval of the house owner. That means he cannot quit the club by himself. If he quits, he is not eligible to play for any other club.''

''Indeed, we really want to let him go. But, unfortunately we don't know how. There has been no intimation from the other side [Huddersfield].

''We don't mind if he does not want to play for our club. We know he is a good player and can help the team a lot. But, we cannot force him to play if he does not want to. We regret that this entire saga has tarnished the name of the club, which was established over 30 years ago.

''We don't make any profits from the club. We spend millions of baht each year from our own pocket on the team. But, we seemed to get no praise for it. We are getting all the blame instead.''

BY PRASERT SRISUEB

The Nation

Kiertisak threatens to quit 23/9/99

KIERTISAK Senemuang, the Kingdom's football ace, declared that he will not play for Ratpracha Sports Club from October if the club does not permit him to play for English club Huddersfield.

Kiertisak said: ''I don't have a contract with Ratpracha. After the SEA Games, I played for them because of an earlier promise. I would like to play in England and set an example for other footballers in the country.''

But Pol Maj Gen MR Chetchandra Pravitra, the chairman of Ratpracha Sports Club, said Kiertisak has signed a contract with the club. If Huddersfield wants to buy him, they should pay the compensation.

Huddersfield said it would increase Kiertisak's weekly wage from PDS 600 to PDS 1,000 and offered a bonus of PDS 500 for each match. They also raised the transfer fee from PDS 3,500 to PDS 4,500 which he will receive when he plays 15 matches in two years.

All ready for Provincial League

ARRANGEMENTS for the Nov 7 kick-off of the first Thailand Provincial League have been finalised and PM's Office Minister Jurin Laksanaviset is confident that the event will be a huge success.

Twelve provinces have entered the league, which also kick-starts a government plan to introduce a professional setup in the local sports.

The winners of the inaugural championship will earn a cash reward of Bt1 million, while the first and second runners-up will receive Bt500,000 and Bt200,000 respectively.

Representatives of the Asian Football Confederation, Football Association of Thailand and Revenue Department yesterday finalised rules and regulations for the competition.

Each team, which will be required to play a total of 22 home and away matches, will comprise 25 players and they will be allowed to hire foreign players, up to a maxium of five. Players taking part in leagues organised by the Football Association of Thailand are not allowed to participate in the Provincial League.

However, no decision has been reached on expansion of the league at the end of its first season on March 9 next year.

Jurin said he was confident the league would help initiate a proper professional setup in the country.

The PM's Office Minister said: ''The government is keen to make the project a success. It will bear all the expenses incurred by the organisation of the tournament, including the teams' and officials' expenses.''

According to Jurin's plan, after two seasons a certain number of the teams from the new Provincial League will be selected to play the leading sides from the on-going Caltex Premier League in 2001 in a tournament to be named the ''Super League''.

He advised the participating teams that they should start forming their own bands of cheering squad and fan clubs. ''Fans are one of the most important factors behind the success of any sports event or team,'' Jurin said.

The participating teams in the inaugural Provincial League are from Nakhon Ratchasima, Si Sak Ket, Songkhla, Udon Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Suphan Buri, Bangkok, Satun, Pattani, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Pathom and Surat Thani.

BY KOMKRIT NAPALAI

The Nation

EXHIBITION: Star-studded match in Nov 10/9/99

THE Football Association of Thailand is putting together a star-studded cast for an exhibition match on Nov 14 to celebrate HM the King's 72nd Birthday.

The match, to be played at the Rajamangala National Stadium, will see a Thai selection take on an Asian All-Star side, which is expected to be spearheaded by Iran's Germany-based striker Ali Daie and include Japanese 1998 Asian Player of the Year Hidetoshi Nakata.

The other players who are likely to join the Al-Star squad are Kazuyoki Miura (Japan), Soi Young-chu (South Korea), Fan Chiyi (China) and Khalid Owairan (Saudi Arabia).

The Thai selection will mostly comprise players from the squad that won the gold medal in the 20th SEA Games in Brunei last month. The association has also invited some former national stars like Piyapong Pew-on, Natee Thongsukkaew, Vitoon Kijmongkolsak and Nethipong Srithong-in.

Entry to the match will be free, but fans have been advised to make reservations at the association headquarters at the National Stadium.

Kiertisak gets 'big offer'  9/9/99

ENGLISH First Division side Huddersfield has sent a contract for Thailand skipper Kiertisak Senamuang, but the offer has failed to impress his club officials.

Pol Maj Gen M R Chetchandra Pravitra, chairman of Kiertisak's club Rajpracha, said yesterday Huddersfield were offering the star striker a weekly salary of PDS 600 (Bt36,000).

Chetchan said: ''What they are offering comes to Bt144,000 a month. Zico [Kiertisak's nickname] makes more than Bt200,000 a month in Bangkok. They would have to offer more than this.

''He gets Bt100,000 for acting as a presenter to a sports goods manufacturer and then he draws salaries from the Football Association of Thailand and the club. I think he is better off here.''

Chetchan added that the contract also does not make it clear whether they want Kiertisak on loan or they plan to own him. ''All these details have to be worked out before he joins Huddersfield,'' he said.

Kiertisak had an unsuccessful tryout with the English Premier League club Middlesbrough in July.

The Nation

Seven more players invited to join squad 8/9/99

Suphap Thantiraphant
Seven players, including four from the gold medal-winning SEA Games squad, have been called in to strengthen Thailand's Olympic soccer team.

The Olympic team's form has so far been unimpressive and it was felt necessary to include some more experienced players.

Cash bonanzafor Thai soccer stars 4/9/99

MEMBERS of the Brunei SEA Games gold-medal-winning Thai soccer squad and staff coaches were yesterday rewarded with cash bonuses of Bt200,000 each. Thailand defeated Vietnam 2-0 in the Games final last month.

A sum of Bt5 million was raised in a campaign by the daily Thai Rath and team manager Virat Chanpanich.

The majority of the side were present at the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) headquarters at the National Stadium to collect their rewards in the presence of FAT secretary-general Worawi Makudi.

The players, most of whom own houses and cars, said they would deposit the money in their bank accounts as it was the ''wisest course of action in the prevailing economic conditions''.

The three coaches who were awarded Bt200,000 each are Englishman Peter Withe, Chatchai Paholphaet and Amnart Chalermchavalit. The remaining sum of Bt800,000 will be distributed among the handlers and other officials of the Thai squad to the Games.

Speaking on the occasion, Virat said most of the SEA Games squad would be retained for the Kingdom's campaign for a place at next year's Asian Cup in Lebanon.

However, Virat added: ''There are bound to be some changes in the squad. A lot would also depend on how different players performed during the ongoing Caltex Premier League.

''We may have to bring at least a couple of new faces to replace wingbacks Dusit Chalermsaen and Krissada Piandit, who are planning to retire from the national team soon.''

The qualifying tournaments for the Asian Cup get under way next March. Thailand have been drawn in Group Eight with Malaysia, North Korea and Taiwan.

Thailand made their Asian Cup finals debut in 1996 in the United Arab Emirates, where they lost all of their three first-round matches to eventual winners Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq.

BY KOMKRIT NAPALAI

The Nation

South African bid officials seek to win over FAT 1/9/99

A TEAM of South African officials overseeing their country's bid for the 2006 World Cup yesterday put across their message in an emphatic manner. They claimed South Africa does not want the event as ''charity'', but should get it because they deserve it.

South African Ambassador Johann van Rensburg and Danny Jordaan, chief executive of the SA football association, yesterday told a press conference they were confident their country will win the right to stage the world's most popular sports event.

Earlier, the visiting officials had a meeting with Worawi Makudi, secretary general of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) who is also a Fifa voting member, and called on FAT president Vijit Getkaew.

Jordaan said: ''We had a very positive and constructive meeting with Mr Worawi during which we discussed different features of our bid for the 2006 World Cup.

''But we also explored ways to strengthen the ties between the two soccer associations. We also took the opportunity to invite them to visit South Africa and see things for themselves.''

Jordaan added that it was time that Fifa granted the World Cup to Africa.

''We have had 17 World Cups so far, with Europe staging nine, North America four, South America four and Asia will have its first in 2002,'' he said.

''It has been Fifa's policy to award the event to a continent which hasn't had it before. And if we can meet all the Fifa requirements, then what is the argument that Africa should wait longer.

''Football is a global sport played in 204 countries of the world. We must guard against one centre becoming stronger than the rest of the world.

''We have all the infrastructure in place and we have played hosts to a very successful rugby World Cup in 1995 and the best-ever African Nations Cup in 1996.

''They ask for eight stadiums, we are offering 13 with capacities from 40,000 to 85,000 and we have a plan to expand the seating capacity of the FNB Stadium to 110,000. We don't want the World Cup as charity, we promise a pure profitable venture.''

In a video-recorded message played at the press conference, South African president Thabo Mbeki said: ''We stand ready to build upon and deepen the advances that the African continent has made and to take this sport to a higher level.

''We assure you of a world-class event. We have the infrastructure, the facilities and the will to make a success of the biggest show on earth. I promise, you won't be disappointed.''

Former president Nelson Mandela, who is also the patron of South African bid, dwelt on the past achievements by his country as a host and expressed optimism that Fifa will consider its bid favourably.

Van Rensburg said: ''For many centuries, South Africa was a divided country, but things have changed since 1994. Our government is fully behind the bid because it feels the World Cup will be a unifying factor, further strengthening unity among the people.

''The world doesn't owe us anything. We are seeking it because South Africa is capable of doing everything Fifa wants us to.''

England and Germany are also in the race for the World Cup, but Jordaan said he was extremely confident that South Africa will get it. ''Those who love to gamble will tell you that the British bookies have South Africa as the favourite, followed by England and Germany,'' he added.

The two other countries bidding to host the World Cup are Brazil and Morocco. Fifa will vote on July 24 next year to finalise the host for the 2006 event. The 2002 World Cup will be co-hosted by South Korea and Japan in 2002.

Brazil team edge Thailand

* In Dhaka, Brazil's Rio de Janeiro Soccer Federation beat Thailand's Olympic team 1-0 on the fifth day of the 12-nation Bangabandhu Cup football tournament yesterday.

Luiz Henrique headed a corner shot in the 74th minute to send the Thais out of the tournament with two successive defeats. The first was a 2-7 thrashing at the hands of South Korea on Sunday.

BY HANIF HASSAN

The Nation

Withe in charge of Pre-Olympic squad 21/8/99

Suphap Thantiraphant
Thailand's national coach Peter Withe has been put in full control of the pre-Olympic squad as of Monday. The move follows the resignation as coach of former star Piyapong Pue-On who felt his position had been undermined.

Explaining the action, Football Association secretary-general Worawi Makudi said there was no time to waste as the team needed urgent improvement. He noted that the standard of play in the matches against India was very disappointing.

In a bid to lift standards, Withe will take the team to England in September and get them to train with some of the big clubs.

TEAM:Wacharapong Klahan, Naraj Muninopamas, Peeratas Porreundee, Udom Jokob, Niwes Siriwong, Jakrapong Hansuwan, Teerasak Por-Ont, Niruj Surasiang, Bamrung Boonprom, Pongsak Kongkaew, Isawa Singthong, Issares Pala, Apichet Puttan, Sutee Suksomkij, Tewew Chanhom, Klisana Wongbutdee, Virat Sanaeha, Kwanchai Feungprakob and Rangsan Wiwatchaichoke

NATIONAL TEAM: Piyapong still FAT's favourite 19/8/99 

FOOTBALL Association of Thailand (FAT) secretary-general Worawi Makudi was stunned after receiving a resignation letter from national Pre-Olympic team head coach Piyapong Pew-on on Monday.

The FAT official said the former national striker Piyapong had misinterpreted the association's announcement last week that it would select SEA Games coach Peter Withe as technical advisor to the Olympic squad.

''I honestly don't know the real reason behind his resignation, but I guess he must have misunderstood that,'' said Worawi as manager of the national team.

''The association never intended to dump Piyapong. We brought Withe into the team just to get his advice, and in fact Withe has helped us since the first qualifying-round match against India last month'' the secretary-general said.

Piyapong on Monday announced that he would stay out of the team and the squad would be taken over by the British coach according to the association's recent announcement.

However, Worawi said he would clarify the matter with Piyapong but would not withhold his resignation if he insisted on going.

''We can thrash out the problem in no time. At the moment we still have assistant coaches Prapol Pongpanich and Boonlert Iowcharoen to look after the team,'' Worawi said.

The national Pre-Olympics team has cancelled its plans to play a warm-up match in China but will compete in a special tournament in Bangladesh featuring China, South Korea, Japan and Kazhakstan at the end of this month. The team is also scheduled to have warm-ups in London, Liverpool, Newcastle, Birmingham and Manchester.

Meanwhile the FAT extended the contract of SEA Games coach Withe until next November. The English Football Association, which oversees the coaching staff, has also agreed to continue in charge of the Thai squad.

BY KOMKRIT NAPALAI

The Nation

SEA GAMES FINAL

By Michael Church, Editor AFC News Magazine 15/8/99

Thailand returned to the top of South East Asian football with a gold medal winning performance against Vietnam in the final of the South East Asian Games in Brunei.

Goals from Thavatchai Ongtrakul and Dusit Chalermsan sealed Thailand's fourth consecutive Games' title with a 2-0 win over the Vietnamese in front of a packed house in the National Stadium to finish the decade with an impressive record in regional tournaments.

Thailand have played in all five of the decade's SEA Games finals, losing to Indonesia in 1991 before going on to win the next four in a row. They also lifted the inaugural Tiger Cup in Singapore in 1996 but lost out in the 1998 edition, Vietnam beating them in the semi-finals 3-0 before losing to Singapore in the final.

"Everything we have done we have done together," said Thailand's coach Peter Withe after the game. "We have been under pressure since the tournament started because we were three time champions. People want to beat you and knock you off your perch but we battled well for the whole game.

"We still have a little bit of catching up to do and we are looking at catching up with teams like Kuwait, Iran, Korea and Japan while the others in South East Asia are looking to catch up with us and they are catching us very quickly. The four semi-finalists are pushing each other and that's good for Asian football."

The Thais had the majority of the play in the first half, with Sakesan Pituratana and Kiatisuk Senamuang both going close before Ongtrakul opened the scoring with a thunderous strike from 30 yards in the 39th minute, the midfielder firing home after good build-up play by Surachai Jattarapatarapong.

Vietnam, though, came back strongly with Le Huynh Duc just failing to score as the first period went into added time.

And the Vietnamese continued to press for the equaliser after the resumption, Nguyen Duc Thang seeing his header of Nguyen Hong Son's cross sail just over the bar while substitute Nguyen Van Sy flashed an effort across the face of goal.

The killer strike came with just four minutes to go. With Vietnam becoming increasingly desperate to equalise, Dusit struck from the edge of the area, his shot finding the back of the net as team-mate Kritsada Piandit stepped over the ball.

"It was very difficult for the keeper to see where the ball was going because Kritsada was in the way," said Withe, "but it was a fine strike. In training we recorded the power of some of Dusit's shooting and he was hitting the ball at 125 kilometres an hour which is fairly hard!"

Indonesia, meanwhile, picked up the bronze medal in a penalty shoot-out over last year's Tiger Cup champions Singapore.

Goalkeeper Hendro Kartiko was his nation's hero after saving spot-kicks from Singapore captain Nazri Nasir and Rafi Ali as Indonesia won 4-2 following a scoreless draw during 90 minutes.

"Our goalkeeper made two tremendous saves and because of that we deserve the medal," said Indonesia's coach Bernhard Schumm after the game. "We are happy we can go home with this result. I told the players before the game that even good teams can lose one game but we can't lose twice and that was our target today."

Soccer squad keep its slate clean

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN -- The golden boy and bad boy of Thai soccer combined last night to help the Kingdom put their reputation as the kingpins of the region beyond any doubts.

Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul just can't seem to get tired of playing the role of hero. His golden goal against South Korea put Thailand in the 1998 Bangkok Asiad semifinal and yesterday he netted another that was also worth its weight in gold.

Dusit Chalermsaen, often blamed and sacked for his errant behaviour, also got on the scoresheet to give Thailand a 2-0 victory Vietnam in the final at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last night.

It is the fourth SEA Games gold on the trot for Thailand, who have dominated the regional soccer scene like no other nation has since their triumph at the 1993 Singapore SEA Games.

Thailand's English coach Peter Withe said: ''We were under a lot of stress because we were the three-time champs, but the boys stuck together and controlled the game well.

''We have come a long way. We are now trying to match the likes of Iran, South Korea and Japan while at the same time the teams from the region are trying to catch us. This is a very healthy sign for Asian soccer.''

Thailand took the field as favourites and they were put ahead by a curling long shot by Thawatchai in the 39th minute. The Vietnamese have themselves to blame for this costly lapse because Thawatchai was given ample time to execute the shot.

Thailand went on the defensive after gaining a 1-0 lead. They moved their defenders up a bit and together with the midfielders they choked the Vietnamese attacks in the midfield. They carried the advantage into the second half.

The Vietnamese kept ramming into the Thai defence wall. They could not make any inroads and failed to move up from the flanks, too.

They only succeeded in putting some pressure on the Thais in the dying moments of the match, but by then the Thais were comfortably placed after Dusit netted their second goal in the 85th minute. Indonesia, runners-up at the 1997 SEA Games at home, took the bronze medal after defeating Singapore 4-2 in penalty shootout following a goalless draw at time.

Earlier, Peter Velappan, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) secretary-general, yesterday implied that AFC will be pressing for the introduction of an age-limit at the future SEA Games soccer tournaments.

The SEA Games Federation (SGF) has been opposed to the idea, saying that the Games was not in jurisdiction of the AFC to implement its plans.

During a visit to the Main Press Centre yesterday, Velappan claimed that SGF was right in its contention, ''but we as the football governing body in Asia know what is best for the game''.

He added that AFC was only trying to play an advisory role, but added that if SGF remained adamant AFC may not sanction the SEA Games soccer events in the future and pull back its technical support.

Velappan said it was too late to introduce an age limit at the 2002 Pusan Asian Games, but it would be done for the next Asiad.

He said: ''The SEA Games should provide a stage to help develop young players. We have the Asian and World Cups and I believe that national teams should be concentrating on qualifying for these major events.''

BY HANIF HASSAN

The Nation

Thailand tame the Lions with gutsy performance 13/8/99

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN -- Thailand's soccer squad yesterday presented HM the Queen with a splendid present on her birthday by delivering the promised victory over Singapore in the semifinals.

Before the start of the match, Olympic Committee of Thailand chairman Gen Chettha Tanajaro conveyed HM the Queen's best wishes to the team and said that Her Majesty would be watching the game on television.

The national soccer side responded with an impressive 2-0 victory over Singapore which earned them a crack at what could be their fourth straight gold medal of the SEA Games. They face Vietnam in the title showdown tomorrow.

The crowd at the main stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex was not befitting the occasion, but the Thais still made the semifinal a memorable occasion.

Coach Peter Withe was delighted with the result as he told a crowded post-match press conference: ''It was a great effort by the team.

''Their exists a great rivalry between the teams in this region and Singapore are no exception. It was always going to be a tough match, but we controlled the game well.

''Singapore came on pretty strong in the first 20 minutes, but then we had an early goal that relieved the players of a lot of pressure and they started playing better.

''In the second half, we allowed Singapore space in the midfield and gave them more possession of the ball than I would have liked. Then Wang [Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul] scored a beautiful goal and regained control of the game.

''The boys were in high spirits today. It is Mothers Day in Thailand today and they all called up their homes before the match. Maybe that gave them the enthusiasm.''

Thailand were more attacking than their rivals and when skipper Kiertisak Senamuang found it hard to score himself he set one up for Singapore-based midfielder Tawan Sripan in the 20th minute.

The Singaporeans had an opportunity to get on even terms but their bid for the equaliser in the injury time of the first half was thwarted by goalkeeper Virat Wangchan.

Singapore's dreams of a place in the final suffered another jolt in the 85th minute when Thawatchai netted a beauty of a goal to seal a 2-0 victory for the Thais.

Singapore coach Vincent Subramaniam said: ''We did well in the first 20 minutes, but then conceded the goal. We tried to score the equaliser, but it only helped Thailand improve their game.''

Vietnam shocked Indonesia 1-0 in their semifinal yesterday, thanks to a strike by Nguyen Hong Sen. The two matches were played simultaneously.

Nguyen scored in the 70th minute to send Vietnam into only their second final in the Games. They last qualified for the showdown at the 1995 Chiang Mai Games where they lost to hosts Thailand 4-0.

The match was evenly contested and the Indonesians have only themselves to blame for the defeat. Indonesia were the more organised side and created more chances but were let down by poor finishing.

Indonesia's Uston Nawawi and Bima Sakti, who played a commanding role in midfield, were threatening but just could not find the target.

Commenting on Thailand's final match, team manager Virat Chanpanich said: ''It is going be another tough game for us. They are a very good team.

''When we played them in the first round we had spotted some shortcomings in our game. We will be working on them tomorrow. I hope that Thailand will win the gold medal for a fourth straight time.''

The first-clash between Thailand and Vietnam had ended in a goalless tie.

Velappan wants youngsters

* ASIAN football supremo Peter Velappan yesterday criticised Southeast Asian nations for using full senior squads at the Brunei SEA Games.

Velappan, general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation, said although the SEA Games football tournament was designed for youth teams, the presence of full-strength sides had helped to create a lop-sided tournament.

''Obviously, the teams of Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam are in one league,'' he said, referring to the semi-finalists.

''I am happy that the next SEA Games will be limited to the under-23 sides,'' said the Malaysian, whose country will host the next Games in 2001.

Velappan said the tournament should be used ''to encourage more young players, to have them exposed to international competition''.

This year's SEA Games football competition has seen many highscoring matches.

Other teams like Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and the Philippines will have to pull up their socks, the Asian Football Confederation official added.

''So there is no need for national teams to play. They should aim for the next higher level.''

BY HANIF HASSAN

The Nation

UNDER-18 UMBRO CUP: Young Thais walking tall 12/8/99

LONDON -- The ''Bangkok Select'' team have triumphed in the Under-18 Umbro Cup at this year's Manchester International Football Festival -- beating Norwegian team Nordstrand 2-0 in the final recently.

The sixth Manchester International Football Festival had 400 teams from 20 nations taking part, making it one of the most prestigious and successful festivals in England. The festival covered many age groups, varying from Under-11 up to Under-18.

Tournament organiser David Shepherd said: ''When the Bangkok Select team first played in the Umbro Cup in 1996, we were blessed with one of the best teams seen in the tournament either before or since -- I was thrilled to have them back.''

The squad also had the opportunity to visit the 1999 FA Charity Shield match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Wembley as guests of the English FA. Arsenal won the game 2-1.

The Thai team returned home and continued their preparation for the Fifa under-17 World Championship in New Zealand.

BY NICK BARRON

The Nation

Favourites Thailand rout 10-man Burma 8/8/99

Thailand's famed strikers fail to break Vietnam wall 6/8/99

DEFENDING champions Thailand are on the verge of
securing a place in the semifinals of the 20th SEA Games
soccer competition despite playing a goalless draw against
Vietnam in their Group A match yesterday.

The Kingdom, who scored wins over the Philippines and Laos
in the previous matches, remain on top of the group and,
along with Vietnam, are likely to move into the next round.
Laos and the Philippines, the other two teams in the group,
have to pack their bags and head home as both finished at the
bottom.

Burma, who with Laos were involved in a close battle which
ended goalless yesterday, should pray for a miracle in their
last round-robin match against Thailand on Sunday. It's a
must-win match for Burma, who have to score five goals to
eliminate the 1997 champion from the competition.

In Group B, Singapore and runners-up Indonesia looked set to
book places in the semifinals while hosts Brunei, Malaysia
and Cambodia have little hopes of moving further.

Thai team manager Virach Charnpanich played down the
draw and said there is no need to press the panic button.

''The team failed to beat Vietnam but that was expected.
There was no pressure on the players to go all out. It was a
strategic match and our players were just sizing up their
rivals,'' he said.

''We are concerned about beating Burma on Sunday to move
into the semifinals. I don't care if we finish first or second in
the group. All we need is a victory in the next match. Our
target is to become champions for the fourth consecutive
time,'' Virach said.

Thailand's attacking game wilted under the solid defence of
the Vietnamese, who scotched every move of Thai players.
Strikers Kiertisak Senamuang and Seksan Piturat were kept
at bay in the entire first half. Thailand's chances of breaking
the deadlock came in the 27th minute when Surachai
Jatupattarapong, who received a pass from Kiertisak, just had
to beat the goalkeeper. But Pham Nhu Thuan appeared from
nowhere and quickly cleared the ball to the utter
disappointment of Thai fans at the Hassanal Bolkiah National
Sports Complex.

In the second half, Thailand had maximum possession of the
ball but the Vietnamese guarded their citadel in brilliant
fashion.

Vietnam, who lost to Thailand in the 1995 and 1997 Games,
briefly celebrated a ''goal'' by substitute Dang Phoong Nam in
the 79th minute but the Malaysian linesman had already lifted
his flag to indicate he was offside.

Thailand got a clear opportunity in the last minute. But Krisada
Piandis, from eight yards, made a feeble kick straight into the
hands of Vietnamese goalkeeper Tran Minh Quang.

Standings

GROUP A

Country M W D L GF GA Pts

Thailand 3 2 1 0 13 1 7

Vietnam 3 2 1 0 11 0 7

Burma 3 1 1 4 3 4 4

Laos 4 1 1 2 4 15 4

Philippines 3 0 0 3 3 16 0

BY KOMKRIT NAPALAI
Defending champs Thailand lack consistency 2/8/99

REIGNING and three-time champions Thailand yesterday
were far from best when they trounced lowly Laos 4-1 in
the 20th Brunei SEA Games soccer competition at the
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium packed with adoring
Thai fans.

After overwhelming Filipinos 9-0 in the Group A opener,
the Kingdom's squad went into the field with their heads
high. Powered by star striker Kiertisak Senamuang, who
scored four goals in the opener, the team comprises
goalie Chaiyong Khampiam, Krissada Piendis, Chukiart
Noosalung, Chokethawee Promrat, Surachai Jirasirichote,
Dusit Chalermsaen, Tawan Sripan, Anurak Srikerd,
Thongchai Akkarapong and Voravudh Srimaka.

The Thais attacked from the opening whistle, but the
Laotians, who relied on solid defence and long passes,
counter-attacked in several occasions.

Thailand kept on pressing and got breakthrough in the
20th minute when Tawan slammed home a right-foot drive
from 25 yards after receiving a pass from Anurak.
Although the Thais were hoping to score more goals, but
found their rivals' a tough nut to crack.

After the break, the Thais changed their strategy relying on
short passes which handed Laotians several golden
opportunities to launch waves of attack.

Thailand scored the second in the 73rd when Dusit
volleyed for substitute Jatupong Thongsuk who headed to
the front of the Laos' goal as Chokethawee seized the
chance, netting from six yards.

The Kingdom's players found another net just two minutes
later. Seksan Piturat, replacing Thongchai, passed to
Jaturong, who swiftly planted for Kiertisak to head home
and widened the gap to 3-0.

Thailand drove in the final nail in the 84th minute with a
spectacular header by Seksan, off a pass form Kiertisak.
The game seemed to end with a 4-0 scoreline in favour of
the Kingdom's squad, but something went wrong in the
team just in the last minute before the time.

Bounmy Thamavongsa upended the Thai sweeper
Chukiart Noosalung before passing it to Bounlap
Khenkitisack, who chipped the ball into the Thai net. The
Laotians were jubilant as if they have won the match.
However, it was the Thai squad who won the match,
beating Laos 4-1 to go atop the Group A with six points.

After the match, Thai national team manager Virach
Charnpanich revealed that the team played below their
standard. However, they still have to play two matches
including -- Aug 5 against Vietnam and Burma on Aug 8.

Head coach Peter Withe was also not happy with the
Thais' performance yesterday, saying that the players did
not live up to his expectations.

''They did not play well today [yesterday]. If they play like
this, I don't think they will survive early rounds,'' said Withe.

In the other match, Burma demolished the Philippines by
the same 4-1 margin.

Group A Standing

Team P W D L F A Pts

Thailand 2 2 0 0 13 1 6

Vietnam 1 1 0 0 9 0 3

Burma 1 1 0 0 4 1 3

Laos 2 0 0 2 1 1 3

Philippines 2 0 0 2 1 1 3

BY KOMKRIT NAPALAI

The Nation

Soccer players told not to be overconfident 01/7/99

EVEN though Thailand overwhelmed the Phillipines 9-0 in the opening match of the Brunei SEA Games soccer competition on Friday, the players were told not to be overconfident and careless in their second match against Laos today.

After clearing an easy obstacle, the 18-member Thai team, under the close supervision of team manager Virach Charnpanich and head coach Peter Withe, trained for two hours yesterday.

After the practice session, Virach told reporters a couple of Thai players had been injured during the match and Withe had suggested that they rest for the match against Laos. 

''Withe advised that midfielder Thanunchai Boriban and stopper Surachai Jirasirichote should rest. Captain Kiertisak Senamuang is fit and raring to go. He has already recovered from his rib injury. I don't think it will affect him tomorrow,'' Virach said.

Withe said the team would play a 3-3-2 format against Laos. ''Virach Wangchan will be in goal. Chukiart Noosalung, Pattanapong Sripramote and Chokethawee Promrat will be the three defenders, Krissada Piendis and Dusit Chalermsaen will play as backs, and Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul, Tawan Sripan and Anurak Srikerd will man the midfield.

''We will rest Surachai Jaturaphattarapong and Thongchai Akkarapong for today's match. Kiertisak and Voravudh Srimaka will be fielded in the first half, and Jatupong Thongsuk will replace Kiertisak in the second.''

Virach and Withe yesterday watched four teams in Group B play at the stadium where runners-up Indonesia edged Cambodia 1-0 and Singapore outplayed Malaysia 2-1.

''I watched the four teams play. They did not impress me. If any of those teams meets us in the semifinals, I'm sure we will beat them easily. However, I don't think our players will be complacent or careless in any match,'' Virach said.

Meanwhile, Vijit Getkaew, president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), said he expected Thai players to do their best in all the matches, while Withe was told to devise a game plan for the encounter against Laos.

''We have to make the best possible plan, but more importantly we have to score as many goals as possible so that it won't cause us any problem in the following rounds. To make sure we beat Laos today, I told Withe to set up a good plan for the match,'' Vijit said.

Piyapong relegated

n The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has relegated Piyapong Pew-on to assistant coach of the Pre-Olympic squad and appointed Peter Withe to coach the young players instead.

After a dismal performance in the first round of the Olympic qualifying, Piyapong was sacked because of ''his lack of international experience of coaching''.

In the second round, Thailand was drawn in the same group with Japan and Kazakhstan. They have to win at least three out of their six home-and-away round-robin matches to book a place for the Sydney Olympics, and Piyapong was judged to be incapable of doing it.

Vijit Getkaew, FAT's president, said: ''I hope he will understand and not be disappointed. It is apparent that Withe is more suited to this important job.''

The young squad will fly to England to train with Aston Villa, Withe's old club, in early September before flying directly to Japan to play the opening match against the host on Oct 2.

''We have a big budget for this campaign. We really hope our dream will come true this time,'' Vijit said. 
Withe's contract expires in October, but the FAT will offer him a new one. The details have not yet been revealed.

BY KOMKRIT NAPALAI

The Nation

Thailand begin with a 9-0 triumph 31/7/99

Indonesian ace fails dope test, booted out

Post Reporters

Thailand began their defence of the SEA Games football title in sparkling
style yesterday when they crushed the Philippines 9-0 in the opening
match of the tournament in Brunei.

Leading the rout was Thailand's star centre-forward Kiatisak "Zico"
Senamuang who slammed in four goals as the Thai side completely
outclassed a poor Philippine team.

Although the opposition was weak, Thailand's English coach Peter Withe
could be well satisfied at his team's positive approach in their opening
match.

However, they will find Burma and Vietnam, who are also in their group,
much stiffer opposition than the Philippine team which was lucky to keep
the scoring down to single figures.

Vietnam sounded out their own warning when they also hammered Laos
9-0 in the other group match played yesterday.

Cheered on by 10,000 Thai spectators working in Brunei, it took the
Thai side only six minutes to open their account when Anurak Srikerd
stormed through the leaky Filipino defence to slam the ball in the back of
the net.

Thailand continued to totally dominate play, but for nearly half an hour
they were thwarted by desperate defending. They also fell into the offside
trap too often, being caught eight times in the first half.

However in 34th minute Surachai Jirasirichote was tripped in the penalty
area and Kiatisak made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Four minutes later Kiatisak collected a second goal and his easiest of the
match when he headed in from close range after the Philippine keeper
failed to cut out a cross.

The teams went in at the interval with Thailand leading 3-0.

Withe's half-time pep talk certainly seemed to work as Thailand came
storming out in the second half, scoring two goals in the opening two
minutes. Both Surachai and Seksan Piturat, with a great individual effort,
found the back of the net with the Philippine team in total disarray.

Kiatisak notched his hat-trick in the 64th minute after beating the offside
trap and the score remained 6-0 until five minutes before the end when
Thailand finished with a flourish.

In the 85th minute Choktawee Promrat made it 7-0 and in the 89th
substitute Voravudh Srimaka rose above the Filipino defence to score
from a fine header.

Kiatisak completed proceedings just before the final whistle with another
header to notch his fourth goal of the match and make the final scoreline
9-0.

After the match Withe said he was pleased with his team's positive
attitude but noted they would face much tougher opponents in Vietnam
and Burma.

There was some concern over Kiatisak who picked up a rib injury, but it
was not thought to be serious.

Thailand's next match is against Laos tomorrow.

uIn Jakarta-Indonesia's young ace striker Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto has
been barred from playing in the Indonesian football team at the Brunei
Games after failing a dope test, reports said yesterday.

"It is better that this thing is discovered now than in Brunei," Deputy
chairman of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (Koni), Arie
Sudewo, was quoted by the Berita Buana evening daily as saying.

Kurniawan and another player whose identity was not revealed, tested
positive in pre-competition dope tests carried out by Koni ahead of the
Games.

Berita Buana quoted sources in Koni as saying that the doping tests,
carried out in June and again this month, found traces of amphetamines in
Kurniawan's urine samples.

Thailand fully confident of retaining title28/7/99

Withe delighted with fitness, preparation
Tor Chittinand

Reigning SEA Games champions Thailand will leave for Brunei tomorrow
and will start the defence of their title on Friday against the Philippines.

The soccer tournament starts eight days before the 20th SEA Games
officially open on August 7. The Games finish on August 15.

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has finalised the 18-man squad for Brunei and after considerable debate defender Thanongsak Prajakkata was the unlucky player to be dropped from the provisional roster.

Thai head coach Peter Withe said: "It was hard to cut down the squad to
18 players and to get the right balance between attack and defence.

"The team is fully prepared for the task of defending the SEA Games title
in terms of fitness and tactical awareness.

"Every player has been training hard and we have a well-balanced squad of players, any of whom can play in the first 11."Thailand are in the same
group as the Philippines, Vietnam and Burma.

"We have got videotapes of our opponents in action and we have carefully
studied their tactics," added Withe.

"But it is more important for us to concentrate on ourselves and on
improving our weak points.

"That is what we were doing in the recent games against Notts County and Uzbekistan."Team manager Virat Charnpanich said: "Originally we had been thinking of dropping a midfielder from the squad but in the end we decided it was better to cut down the defenders.

"We have analysed all the other teams but the most important thing is to
concentrate on getting three points from each match and not worry too
much about how many goals we score and other matters."



SEA GAMES SQUAD

Chaiyong Kampiem, Virat Wangchan, Kritsada Piendit, Pattanapong
Sripramote, Choketawee Promrat, Chukiet Nusalung, Surachai
Jirasirichote, Surachai Jaturapattarapong, Anurak Srikerd, Tawan Sripan,
Thawatchai Dumrong-ongtrakul, Jatupong Thongsuk, Kiatisak Senamuang
(captain), Voravut Srimaka, Thongchai Akkarapong, Tananchai Boriban,
Dusit Chalermsaeng, Seksan Piturat

Kiertisak's brace just good for hosts 22/7/99

A BRACE of goals from Kiertisak Senamuang yesterday
powered hosts Thailand to a magnificent 4-1 victory over
Notts County in a friendly match at the National Stadium.

Just two minutes from the opening whistle, Thailand drew
the first blood when Kiertisak received the ball from
Surachai Jaturattanapong before firing an easy goal for a
1-0 lead.

But the visitors found an equaliser eight minutes later after
Mark Warren headed home a 10-metre cross from Dennis
Pearce.

As the Kingdom relied mostly on midfielders, Notts County
counted much on both wings. However, the attack from the
British team appeared to have wilted under the tropical
heat at the arena.

In the 24th minute, a Kiertisak's attempt was blocked by
the Notts County defence which saw the ball bounce to
Sakesan Pituratana who seized the opportunity to find the
net. Thailand jumped to a 2-1 lead.

From then, Notts County's high hopes to level the score
faded away after home players deliberately slowed down
the game until the first half.

In the 54th minute, Surachai Jirasirichote produced a
splendid pass to Sakesan, who suddenly struck home with
an exceptional left-foot shot to widen the gap 3-1.

Cheered by the partisan crowd at the venue, the Thai
squad continued their domination with striker Kiertisak
and Jatupong Thongsukh taking a brilliant offensive
combination before Kiertisak created a fine shot from the
penalty area to end the visitors' challenge 4-1.

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) president Vijit
Getkaew was overjoyed after the victory.

''The way our players performed today was exceptionally
well. They really lived up to my expectation'' said the FAT
leader, who was even more confident of Thai chances to
win the SEA Games gold medal for third consecutive time.

''If they can continue this level of performance, they should
not miss the gold medal in this SEA Games'' Vijit added.

Meanwhile, FAT will announce the names of 18 players for
the Brunei Games on July 23. Most players who competed
against Notts County yesterday are expected to be in the
team.

BY KOMKRIT NAPALAI

The Nation

Indians find Thai boots hard 18/7/99

SUPHAN BURI -- Thailand's national pre-Olympics soccer
team took a step closer to the second round of Olympic
qualifying by defeating India 2-0 in the home-leg match of the
Asian Zone Group 9 yesterday.

Only two teams, Thailand and India, are left in the group as
the other teams, Singapore, Brunei and Laos, have pulled out.

Thailand fulfilled their ambition of beating India by a margin of
two goals in their home match, so that they can take the away
game in India on July 24 lightly. ''I am happy with the way my
boys played today. They did quite well and met our target of a
two-goal margin. It made our task easy, and they can play
without any care or burden on their shoulders in the away
leg,'' said national-team coach Piyapong Pew-on after the
match.

Playing before 30,000 cheering fans at the Suphan Buri
provincial stadium, the Thai team put the visiting Indians under
pressure right from the start of the game. However, all their
aggressive moves failed to penetrate the solid Indian defence
throughout the first half, which ended scoreless.

India had a chance to break the deadlock in the 17th minute of
the first half when Hardeep Singh Sanga made a beautiful
pass to Dipendu Biswas, who was alone inside the penalty
box. Unfortunately Biswas' shot was blocked by goalkeeper
Panuwat Tang-anurat.

India's rock-solid defence was torn apart two minutes into the
second half when brilliant right back Apichet Pudtan made a
perfect cross from the right flank for the speedy striker,
Bamrung Boonprom, who bulged the Indian net with a superb
header.

The agile Indian goalkeeper, Kalyan Chaubey, failed to reach
Apichet's cross, thus making it easy for Bamrung, who
rushed in to head the ball into the goal for a 1-0 lead.

Inspired by rabid fans and a one-goal advantage, the Thai
boys put more thrust into their attacking game and searched
for more goals. Their relentless attempts paid off in the 76th
minute when Niruj Surasiang picked up a loose ball from an
Indian defender and triggered a shot from 20 yards to beat the
hapless Indian custodian.

India worked hard in the last 10 minutes of the game to
salvage some pride. On two occasions they were on the brink
of scoring. Lokram James Singh made a powerful 20-yard
shot which went wide of the left post in the 82nd minute, and
Mahesh Gauwli's attempt with a header on an the empty goal
in the 87th was cleared by the agile defender, Chakrapong
Suwan.

''We were at a disadvantage in all respects both on and off the
field. However, we won't be crestfallen at the loss. We have
full confidence that we can beat the Thai team by the same
margin on our home soil and force a tie-breaker,'' India's
coach Sanker Prased Moitra said after the match.

Meanwhile Vijit Getkaew, president of the Football Association
of Thailand, said he was happy with the outcome of the
match. ''Two goals is not a small margin, and I feel it is
enough to keep them at bay. We shall have to concentrate
more when we play them in India in the second leg. Certainly
they will put us under tremendous pressure, and we have to
cope with it. Our boys have to rise to the occasion,'' he said.

The winners of Group 9 will play Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in
the second round of Asian Zone qualification.

BY KOMKRIT NAPALAI

The Nation

Kiertisak gets knockout blow

KIERTISAK Senamuang failed to qualify for Middlesbrough
team yesterday as he did not have a temporary transfer
certificate from his Ucom Rajpracha club.

The Thai star was told by deputy team manager Viv Anderson
to call it a day in the trial after failing to show the certificate to
the officials.

Anderson was quoted by a Thai reporter in England that it was
useless for Kiertisak to be in the trial without any approval
document from his club.

Besides, Kiertisak was not even included in the team for
tomorrow's warm-up match against Hartlepool.

A Rajpracha official yesterday said the club was not contacted
by Kiertisak for any approval, besides it has no intention of
rejecting a player going for a trial.

Meanwhile, the national Pre-Olympic team suffered a setback
before their clash with India yesterday when team captain
Nivet Siriwong suffered intestinal pain, forcing coach Piyapong
Pew-on to reshuffle his players.

While the team was undergoing light training yesterday at the
Suphan Buri stadium, stopper Nivet complained of serious
stomach ache and was rushed to Pornchai hospital.

However, the doctor said he should recover by today and
return for light practice. However, there is no guarantee that
Nivet would be able to play against India tomorrow.

BY KOMKRIT NAPALAI

The Nation

Team for Olympic qualifier

THE Football Association of Thailand yesterday announced
the list of 18 players for an Olympic qualifier against India this
Friday in Suphan Buri.

Coach Piyapong Pew-on, a former national striker, said after
revealing the names that he was confident of Thai chances of
beating India in both the home and away matches.

The national side yesterday outclassed the Suphan Buri junior
team 4-0 in their final warm-up.

''Actually I did not take today's match seriously, as I only
wanted to test my players. I was satisfied with the way the
boys played,'' said Piyapong.

The national coach has seen video tapes of the Indian team
and accepted that the visitors could not be underestimated,
especially their aggressive forwards.

''However, I've worked out a game plan for the match, though I
can't spill the beans now. Our team need to score as many
goals as possible so that they will be out of pressure in the
away match [on July 24],'' Piyapong said.

However, there is a fear of a jinx at the Suphan Buri Stadium,
the ground for the pre-Olympic match between Thailand and
Japan five years ago which ended with a humiliating 5-0 loss
by the Kingdom's squad.

''Personally, I don't believe in that sort of thing. I believe my
team will beat the Indians with the same score. Whenever I go
to Suphan Buri I succeed, and I don't think there'll be any
difference this time,'' the national coach said.

The Pre-Olympics players are Watcharapong Klaharn,
Panuwat Tanganurat, Nivet Siriwong, Jakkrapong Hansuwan,
Sombat Chomchaipon, Apichet Puutarn, Niroot Surasiang,
Isares Pala, Pirathat Poruendee, Thirasak Po-on, Bamroong
Boonprom, Pongsak Kongkaew, Suthee Nuliam, Krisana
Wonbutdee, Theves Janhorm, Suthee Suksomkij, Manit
Noivet and Asawa Singthong.

BY KOMKRIT NAPALAI

The Nation

Kiartisak gets trials with Borough

LOCAL striker Kiartisak Senamuang is to fly to England next
month for trials with premiership club Middlesbrough.

The Thai star will undergo a two-week test from July 5. If he
passes, team coach and ex-Manchester United captain Bryan
Robson may want to sign him.

Robson decided to call Kiartisak in for trials after seeing him
play in videos supplied by Pongsak Pol-anun, CEO of Siam
Sports Indicate.

''This is a great honour and a big opportunity for me. I always
dreamed of becoming a professional player one day,'' said
Kiartisak, who has helped Thailand win the SEA Games gold
medal three times since 1993.

''I have played in many matches against famous teams and
I'm relatively confident about my ability,'' said the No 1 soccer
star, who also spearheaded the Kingdom's team which beat
Arsenal 4-3 in a friendly match last month.

Kiartisak is the second local player to have trials with the
north-eastern English club. Former national player Netipong
Srithong-in also went for trials with the team three years ago
but failed.

''Netipong was about to quit the national squad and was not in
good shape at all when he went for trials. I'm quite fit and
should have a good chance of being taken on,'' the national
soccer star said.

Kiartisak is so determined to do well in the test that he has
been doing intensive training with Football Association of
Thailand (FAT) coaches before he leaves Bangkok on July 3.
He's also been studying spoken English.

National coach Peter Withe commented that Kiartisak has the
ability to do well, but still needs to put in a lot of work.

''He has the talent and the ability, but I would say that at the
moment he is only 60 per cent ready for the trial. He needs to
devote more time to practising if he really wants to pursue
professional soccer as a career,'' Withe said.

According to Pongsak, a Middlesbrough player will receive a
minimum wage of PDS 5,000 a week. However, considering
Kiartisak's qualifications, if he is taken he will earn around
PDS 10,000.

BY KOMKRIT NAPALAI

FIFA U-17 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP NEW ZEALAND '99: RESULTS OF FINAL DRAW 15/6/99

Zurich, 14 June 1999 - The final draw for the FIFA U-17 World Championship held
today at the Sky Theatre in Auckland (New Zealand) produced the following results:
Group A: NewZealand, USA, Uruguay, Poland  Venue: Auckland North Harbor

Group B: Thailand, Spain, Ghana, Mexico  Venue: Napier

Group C: Brazil, Australai or Bahrain, Germany, Mali Venue: Christchurch

Group D: Jamaica, Burkina Faso, Paraguay, Qatar Venue: Dunedin

Diplomat' Havelange keeps Thais in good humour 14/6/99

NOW that his job as the president of Fifa is over, Joao Havelange, it appears, is preparing himself for the job of a Brazilian ambassador in some strategically less important country.

The former Fifa president yesterday spoke like a veteran diplomat at a press conference at a local hotel as he refused to take any stand on any of the issues raised by the members of the local media.

Havelange, who held the office of Fifa president for 24 years before retiring last year, arrived yesterday to attend a four-nation tournament to celebrate HM the King's 72nd Birthday.

The tournament starts on Wednesday when the hosts face Oceania champions New Zealand and Poland meet a selection of the Brazilian league at the Rajamangala National Stadium. The final and third-place playoffs are scheduled to be held on Saturday.

While much was expected from the former world soccer leader, Havelange refused to offer his personal opinion even on a trivial matter like the Brazilian team's chances in the four-nation tournament, the question answered by one of the members of his entourage.

However, Havelange did a great job in reciting eulogies for the Football Association of Thailand [FAT] officials which had its president Vijit Getkaew and secretary-general Worawi Makudi grinning throughout the
press conference..

Havelange said he felt that South east Asian countries were capable of staging the World Cup in the future if they can bring the available facilities to match Fifa standards.  

''There are no big or small countries in football. Any country can apply to play host to the World Cup,'' he said.

He added that if Fifa policy of rotating the World Cup to different continents was followed, the 2006 World Cup should be staged in Africa, but ''now that there are six countries in the running, there will be a vote.'' South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, England, Germany and Brazil are all
seeking to host the 2006 World Cup.

Answering a question regarding a pullout threat issued by the Asian Football (AFC) Confederation if the number of Asian countries at the 2002 World Cup was not increased to four teams apart from hosts South Korea and Japan, he said: ''It is up to the Fifa board to decide. An increase in the Asian quota would affect that of the other continents
and they may not take it lightly.''

Regarding the Thai bid to become Fifa's centre for football development in East Asia, he said: ''The Thai association has capable officials and I am sure they have all the needed facilities to be the centre. The association [FAT] should work out a proposal and submit it to the Fifa board.'' He advised FAT that it should first concentrate on developing its youth squads so that they are able to match the best in the world. ''This would automatically improve the standard of their future national teams.''

Havelange also promised to help FAT in bringing the full Brazilian national team to Thailand. ''They should contact the Brazilian association and I will try my best to help the Thai people's dream of seeing the international Brazilian stars in action here in Thailand come true.''

BY HANIF HASSAN

The Nation

Thai team to face Kiwis 3/6/99

THAILAND'S national soccer team, in preparation for the
Aug 7-15 Brunei SEA Games, will play in a quadrangular
tournament at the Rajamangala National Stadium on June
16 and 19.

Four teams will participate in the two-day meet -- Brazil
All-Stars, the Polish Euro 2000 Qualifying Round
Preparatory team, Oceania champions New Zealand and
hosts Thailand, successive three-time SEA Games
champions.

In a press conference at the Radisson Hotel yesterday,
Vijit Getkaew, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT)
president, said a knockout format will be used in the first
round tussles on June 16, with Thailand facing New
Zealand at 5.30pm and Brazil coming up against Poland
in the second match at 8 pm.

Both the third-place play-off and final will take place on
June 19, starting at 4 pm. Channel 3 will televise both
encounters live.

Vijit said: ''I think that the tournament will be beneficial for
the Thai team before they head to Brunei on July 26 for the
20th SEA Games. I'm convinced our team will retain the
title. However, if we fail to do so, I'm willing to claim
responsibility.''

''In addition, it will be a great honour for the FAT to
welcome former Fifa president Joao Havelange to the
Kingdom on July 13. At 7 pm on the same day, we will be
considering a Thai bid for the Olympics. As something of
a sporting messiah, I hope that he will give our prospects
a boost,'' he added.

Meanwhile, national team manager Virach Charnpanich
expressed confidence in both his senior players and
young stars, and claimed the Thai team will retain the SEA
Games title one more time.

''The senior players who have lost their places in the team
will be given a chance to regain their form. Thawatchai
Damrong-ongtrakul, for instance, is recuperating from a
right leg injury. If he can prove that the injury will soon heal,
and he is fit enough, we will recall him. Unfit centre-half
Nathee Thongsukkaew will also be given a chance to
prove his form,'' Virach claimed.

BY KOMKRIT NAPALAI

The Nation

Thailand aim for World Cup after farce of '98 

By Chris Johnson

BANGKOK, May 26 - Nine months after they were banned for trying -- and failing -- to lose a farcical soccer match against Indonesia, Thailand are developing a new reputation as a team to watch.

Last Saturday, the national team beat English league runners-up Arsenal 4-3 in a friendly that took plenty of Thai supporters and Arsenal's French manager Arsene Wenger by surprise.

Arsenal may have been winding down after another tiring season but the Thais needed few favours to snatch a well-deserved victory.

Thai soccer is improving rapidly and the national squad has been transformed from laughing stock to a well-organised team tipped to win the regional tournament at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei in August.

They are also likely to be strong contenders in the battle for an Asian qualifying place in the 2002 World Cup -- something that looked quite out of the question last year.

In August, Thailand played Indonesia in the regional Tiger Cup with both sides hoping to lose in order to avoid favourites Vietnam at home in Hanoi in the semifinals.

With the match level at 2-2 in injury time, Indonesian player Mursyid Effendi turned and shot into his own net, past a goalkeeper who made no attempt to save the shot and Thai players trying to guard the Indonesian goal.

Neither team had tried a shot on goal in the first half. 

The fiasco prompted the resignation of the Thai management team and forecasts that Thai soccer would never recover when the country was banned by Asia's governing body in September.

But the disaster was a turning point, with Thailand's ban subsequently lifted on appeal.

Just four weeks before Bangkok hosted the Asian Games in December, Thai football's governing body did a deal with the English Football Association to get the services of former England international Peter Withe as coach.

Withe set to work, instilling in the team a desire to win and the tactical