Friendlies

[jonny]

Thailand v Pakistan - two matches will be played - 14th / 18th July, venue to be named.

http://www.thaileaguefootball.com/

[jonny]

14.7 Thailand U23 - Pakistan
16.7 Thailand U19 - Pakistan
18.7 Thailand NT - Pakistan

[charade_2010]

14.7 Thailand U23 - Pakistan
16.7 Thailand U19 - Pakistan
18.7 Thailand NT - Pakistan

Thank you jonny , Has Peter Reid proclaimed Thai national team yet and where can I see it  ? 

[Nigb]

14.7 Thailand U23 - Pakistan
16.7 Thailand U19 - Pakistan
18.7 Thailand NT - Pakistan

Thank you jonny , Has Peter Reid proclaimed Thai national team yet and where can I see it  ? 

this is the Thai National Team announced a couple of weeks ago
http://www.thaileaguefootball.com/index.php?lay=show&ac=article&Id=79394

Pipat Tonganya is also in the squad, late inclusion and may not play in the SEA games. Reid was reportedly impressed by him on Wednesday so he looks like he might stay.

[jonny]

Match on 18. July against Thailand NT is played in Thunderdome Sport Complex , Pak Kret.

http://www.futbolplanet.de/news.htm

Home stadium for Muang Thong United in Thai Premier League.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muang_Thong_United

[jonny]

Today :

Thailand U23- Pakistan 2-0 HT

[jonny]

Thailand U23- Pakistan 2-0 FT

[charade_2010]

this is the Thai National Team announced a couple of weeks ago
http://www.thaileaguefootball.com/index.php?lay=show&ac=article&Id=79394

I am afraid of Nirut Surasiang and Sakda Joemdee couldn't play for Thai team any more . They were naturalized to become " the Vietnamese " , named Đoàn Văn Nirut and Đoàn Văn Sakda .

[druryfire]

this is the Thai National Team announced a couple of weeks ago
http://www.thaileaguefootball.com/index.php?lay=show&ac=article&Id=79394

I am afraid of Nirut Surasiang and Sakda Joemdee couldn't play for Thai team any more . They were naturalized to become " the Vietnamese " , named Đoàn Văn Nirut and Đoàn Văn Sakda .

Charade, they can still play for Thailand, it doesn't matter that they took Vietnamese Citizenship, thats just a way for them to play in Vietnam without any trouble with the rules.

In the eyes of the world, they are dual nationals. In the football world, they are Thai nationals.

[sideliner]

There are going to be a lot of very disappointed fans if the below from today's Bangkok Post is true.


Doubts over some Reds stars for Thailand match
By: TOR CHITTINAND
Published: 16/07/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: Sports
Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano may miss Liverpool's friendlies in Thailand and Singapore next week.

But the organisers of the tour insisted yesterday that the Reds will bring a full squad to Asia including the trio.

"Every player will be on the trip to Thailand," said Steve McMahon, commercial director of the Profitable Group which is organising the trip.

But the former Liverpool star admitted that the club will not be able to do anything if something they cannot control happens to any of the big names.

Team captain Gerrard will go on trial for affray next week, says the English newspaper the Daily Mirror.

Liverpool will play a warm-up match in Austria on Sunday and if the England midfielder plays he will have to fly home that night to be in Liverpool crown court the next day, the paper said.

He is accused with six others concerning a fight last December at a club in Southport, Merseyside. They all deny affray.

"The case is set to last two weeks meaning Gerrard will not be on a tour to Singapore and Thailand," the paper claimed.

Spain midfielder Alonso is likely to move to Real Madrid while Argentina captain Mascherano, who is being chased by Barcelona, may have to stay home to look after his wife who is expected to give birth to their child soon.

"It is something we cannot control," McMahon said of Gerrard's case. "It is about the law. I don't know how long it will take. If everything is done in time then he will surely come to Thailand."

Alonso is still a Liverpool player while in Mascherano's case it is also something the club cannot do anything if he chooses to stay with his wife, the former England midfielder said.

"I don't want to talk negatively. I want to give a positive answer like we have justed signed Glen Johnson and he will come here," McMahon said.

As for striker Fernando Torres, McMahon said he had not yet joined Liverpool's pre-season training camp because he got a longer rest after playing for Spain in the Confederations Cup.

There might be a jinx in Thailand as several European clubs who played friendlies here had a stuttering campaign in the following season.

But McMahon dismissed it as an excuse for the unsuccessful teams and said Liverpool will not be hit by fatigue.

"Liverpool will still have two weeks left before the new season starts after the Asian tour. I believe Liverpool will do very well next season," he said.

Liverpool will take on the Thai national team at Rajamangala stadium on July 22 and play in Singapore on July 26.

[SriRachaShark]

The wife will be disappointed. Even though we aren't planning to go to the match, she's a big Gerrard fan.

Maybe Steve McMahon will have to pull his boots on. In which case I expect PR will turn out for Thailand. : )

[Vinnie]

Is Ian Rush still in the Kingdom? 

[TPF]

There might be a jinx in Thailand as most European clubs suffer an unconvincing season after their visit to this country.

I know a lot of Everton fans blame the players being fatigued due to our pre season games in Thailand as the reason we got knocked out of the Champions League Qualifiers against Villareal in 2005/06. In my opinion the players looked very unfit in Thailand and by the time we played 'the Yellow Submarine' we were still undercooked. Blaming the climate and conditions in Thailand is an easy excuse, but sadly it is one that has been widely accepted. It's noticeable that every season since our trip to Thailand we have gone to the USA for pre-season training.

[jonny]

Thailand U19 - Pakistan 4-0

[jonny]

Thailand U23- Pakistan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8vWOCOL-Po

[charade_2010]

Thank you jonny for showing that clip , I can see Arthit is a unmissed player in U23 Thailand team 

[Natt]

To be fair, the organisers of these games in Thailand usually offer reasonably priced tickets to the public. I've been to see a few of the touring teams over the years and, being such a cheapskate, I know I wouldn't have paid more than B500 ; )  The Arsenal match in '99 was B200 and I'm pretty sure that the 4 team tournament with Everton, M*n C*ty and Bolton was about the same.

are you not allowed to say Man City?

[jonny]

3-0 played 20 mins

[jonny]

4-0 , 50 mins

[TPF]

Do you know who scored?

[jonny]

Do you know who scored?

Sorry, not yet. 4-0 FT.

[SriRachaShark]

To be fair, the organisers of these games in Thailand usually offer reasonably priced tickets to the public. I've been to see a few of the touring teams over the years and, being such a cheapskate, I know I wouldn't have paid more than B500 ; )  The Arsenal match in '99 was B200 and I'm pretty sure that the 4 team tournament with Everton, M*n C*ty and Bolton was about the same.

are you not allowed to say Man City?

My religion forbids me to say, or write, M*n C*ty or M*n U*d in their complete form. ; )

[charade_2010]

Do you know who scored?

7' [1 - 0] T. Dangda   
 
9' [2 - 0] R. Vivatchaichok (pen.)   
 
16' [3 - 0] T. Dangda   
 
46' [4 - 0] T. Winothai 

[TPF]

Thanks!

[TPF]

THAILAND COACH REID EXCITED FACING LIVERPOOL

Peter Reid is loving life as Thailand coach as he prepares for their friendly against Liverpool.

The former Sunderland boss told the Daily Star Sunday: “I’m down to my playing weight and really enjoying spending most of my time on the training ground – something you can’t do as a Premier League manager, because of all your other responsibilities.

“It’s also a great experience to be an international manager and so far we’ve lost only three of my 15 matches and two of those were against Saudi Arabia, who are a strong side.

“Clearly, there are language problems but I get out there and demonstrate what I want. I’ve learned a few phrases. In Thai, shut down is ‘beep’ and shoot is ‘ying.’ So I spend the whole match beeping and yinging!

“My No.2 is another Scouse lad – Steve Darby – and he’s been a big help because he’s been out here 12 years and understands the culture.

“The Premier League is held in the highest regard out here – they adore it.

“There will be a 45,000 full house for the Liverpool match and I’m delighted Rafa Benitez is bringing his team here.”

Link: http://www.tribalfootball.com/thailand-coach-reid-excited-facing-liverpool-257852

[Vinnie]

Gerrard officially not playing. On Bangkok Post site today.

[charade_2010]

Liverpool has just lost 0-1 to Rapid Vienna . Common Thailand , you all can do the same thing on Wednesday .   
Or am I so optimistic

[TPF]

REDS ARRIVE IN BANGKOK

After months of frenzied excitement, Liverpool's fanatical supporters in Thailand are finally able to see their Kop idols in the flesh after Rafael Benitez and his squad arrived in Bangkok on Monday for the first leg of their Asian tour. 

Following a 10 hour flight from Vienna, the Reds' party touched down in the Thai capital at 3pm local time before travelling to their luxury hotel, at which Benitez, Jamie Carragher and Ryan Babel will appear at a welcome press conference later today.
 
The Reds will be in Thailand for the next three days, with the highlight being a sold out fixture against the national team on Wednesday, before jetting off to Singapore for the second leg of their visit to south east Asia.
 
With the kick-off to the new Barclays Premier League season just four weeks away, the emphasis over the next eight days will be very much on fitness and conditioning of the players, but the club will also be taking the opportunity to engage with local fans and give many of them a once in a lifetime chance to meet their heroes.
 
"It's always difficult deciding where to go on tour because we have so many fans all over the world," said Commercial Director Ian Ayre.
 
"But we feel by choosing Thailand and Singapore we are capturing most of south east Asia and making it possible for fans from other countries to come and see the team.
 
"Both countries are traditional hot-beds of support for Liverpool and I know from speaking to our partners out here how excited everyone has been waiting for us to arrive.
 
"We are very excited to be here and are very much looking forward to our stay."
 
While the players will enjoy early morning and evening training sessions away from the glare of the searing midday sun, several commercial events also have been planned as the Reds look to take every possible opportunity to make as many friends as possible in this part of the world.
 
"We are aware of the excitement out here about our arrival and that's great, but it's been important for us in the planning of the tour to find the right balance between the football and commercial sides," added Ayre.
 
"I have worked very closely with Sammy Lee, who has then fed through to Rafa, on the football side and when they chose when they wanted the players to be training we planned the rest of the itinerary from there. Liverpool Football Club is about doing well in its core competitions and with the new season soon to start we know how crucial this period is for Rafa and his staff.
 
"The two games will be great occasions, especially as the promoters of the tour have recreated the Kop end at both stadiums. Tickets for those ends sold out immediately so that just shows you the level of excitement which has been building.
 
"A lot of work has gone into the planning of this tour, but the reward will be when the players run out to packed stadiums in both countries over the next few days."
 
And, mindful of criticism of other clubs in the recent past who have been accused of planning worldwide tours purely for financial reward, Ayre insists Liverpool's aim will be to leave a long-lasting impression on Thailand and Singapore over the next week.
 
"We have a duty to contribute to these football markets and to our supporters over here," he added.
 
"We have in place a strong legacy programme encompassing many different initiatives and which can be broken down into different areas.
 
"For example, we have a knowledge transfer programme at which Rafa will meet coaches from Thailand and Singapore, I will be meeting representatives from the local businesses and the medical team will also be having sessions.
 
"We will be running a kids programme with open training sessions to try and show people what we do and how we do it.
 
"We will also be creating a foundation which we will contribute to and our partners will contribute to.
 
"The important thing is that when our plane lands back in Liverpool there will still be things going on in our name over here which we can continue to support.
 
"Obviously enough is never enough. Fans over here, like those at home, love Liverpool and want as much of it as they can get. We can never be here often enough and when we are here we can never give enough access. We will just do as much as possible and look to make everyone happy."
 
The Reds' travelling party in full: Reina, Arbeloa, Johnson, Dossena, Insua, Agger, Skrtel, Carragher, Mascherano, Lucas, Alonso, Riera, Benayoun, Kuyt, Torres, Voronin, Babel, Ngog, El Zhar, Cavalieri, Gulacsi, Degen, Spearing, Plessis, Nemeth, San Jose, Pacheco, Kelly.
 

[Vinnie]

REDS ARRIVE IN BANGKOK

 
  "It's always difficult deciding where to go on tour because we have so many fans all over the world," said Commercial Director Ian Ayre.
  "But we feel by choosing Thailand and Singapore we are capturing most of south east Asia and making it possible for fans from other countries to come and see the team.
Actually, the countries were rather decided for Liverpool because they priced themselves out of Vietnam and Hong Kong. 
 
 
While the players will enjoy early morning and evening training sessions away from the glare of the searing midday sun, several commercial events also have been planned as the Reds look to take every possible opportunity to make as many friends as possible in this part of the world.
Apparently "friends" is now a euphemism for 'business partners' and 'money'.
 
 
"I have worked very closely with Sammy Lee, who has then fed through to Rafa, on the football side and when they chose when they wanted the players to be training we planned the rest of the itinerary from there. Liverpool Football Club is about doing well in its core competitions..."
What? Is this still English? 

"...the promoters of the tour have recreated the Kop end at both stadiums".
How could they possibly do that?! You mean the promoters have changed the name of the 'East Stand' to 'The Kop' for this one match. And seeing as the East Stand is a side stand, is uncovered and is composed of two tiers it couldn't be more unlike the Kop. 
 
And, mindful of criticism of other clubs in the recent past who have been accused of planning worldwide tours purely for financial reward,
Perish the thought!!!  

"We have a duty to contribute to these football markets..." he added.
No you don't. Why do Liverpool Football Club of England have a "duty" to play football matches in Southeast Asia? Specious nonsense.
 
"We have in place a strong legacy programme encompassing many different initiatives and which can be broken down into different areas.
Don't you just love business speak?   Verbose and utterly without meaning. Or, rather, evasive of meaning. 

"For example, we have a knowledge transfer programme
More superb business speak. In this instance I rather think that a 'knowledge transfer programme' is a conversation.
 

I make no apologies for coming across as a gruff, mean-spirited, cynical, stick-in-the-mud. To many this kind of thing may be part and parcel of the modern game but I find such tours vulgar, cynical, exploitative and deeply unhelpful to the domestic game, and I will never be able to reconcile my vision of football with such activities.

[SriRachaShark]

You make some valid points there, Vinnie. And you gave me a few laughs with your comments : )

While I agree with you on the commercial aspects of this "tour" I do think that there are some positives to come out of it on the footballing side. It is a great opportunity for the Thai players. This is possibly the only chance that any of them will get to share a field with such high profile stars. Surely you don't begrudge them that?

The Liverpool players and coaching staff are also offering an open training session for local youngsters today. It may only be a token gesture but I'm sure that those kids lucky enough to be invoved will always remember it.


I know a lot of Thai Liverpool "fans" and for them this is something that they have been looking forward too since it was first announced. I know that there are issues with the ticket prices but this is down to the sponsors. I'd like to think that if FAT had been in charge they would have made them more affordable. Incidentally, a lot of the people I know who are going are regulars at Chonburi & SriRacha matches as well as going to as many national teams games as they possibly can. I know there'll be loads of people there who don't usually bother but these guys are genuine football fans.

It would also be nice to see Hicks and Gillette scheduling a meeting with the Chonburi board and learning a few lessons on how to run a football club properly. Now that really would be something : )

[Vinnie]

While I agree with you on the commercial aspects of this "tour" I do think that there are some positives to come out of it on the footballing side. It is a great opportunity for the Thai players. This is possibly the only chance that any of them will get to share a field with such high profile stars. Surely you don't begrudge them that?

I don't begrugde them it but it's not much of a justification for this match: so that the Thai players can get to meet some famous names. Thailand are desperately short of competitive match practice this year. 'Friendlies' (for they are scarcely that) against the likes of Singapore, Vietnam or Indonesia would have been more productive from a match practice point of view.

The Liverpool players and coaching staff are also offering an open training session for local youngsters today. It may only be a token gesture but I'm sure that those kids lucky enough to be invoved will always remember it.

And will be Liverpool 'fans' now and forever

I know a lot of Thai Liverpool "fans" and for them this is something that they have been looking forward too since it was first announced. I know that there are issues with the ticket prices but this is down to the sponsors. I'd like to think that if FAT had been in charge they would have made them more affordable. Incidentally, a lot of the people I know who are going are regulars at Chonburi & SriRacha matches as well as going to as many national teams games as they possibly can. I know there'll be loads of people there who don't usually bother but these guys are genuine football fans.

It's an interesting one that. It's the same situation at Korat. Even amongst our hardcore of fans who go week in week out, home and away, you'll find individuals who claim allegiance to Liverpool, Man U etc. With my non-league background it's something that I'll never be able to understand but as long as they go to Thai league matches as well as follow EPL teams on the telly, then I don't really have a problem with it. It's when Thais exclusively follow foreign teams that I start foaming at the mouth!
I saw the news this morning and there were Thai Liverpool fans up against the railings as near to the runway at Suvarnabhumi as they could legally get, watching the Liverpool plane land! Holding their scarves up, wearing their shirts watching the plane land! They make Michael Jackson fans look like reasonable, balanced human beings!

[SriRachaShark]

On your first point, I'm not sure that I agree that playing those teams you mention would be of more benefit. How seriously do coaches and players take international friendly matches these days anyway? Most, if not all, are glorified training matches which are full of substitutions and played at something less than full pace. If Liverpool treat this game seriously (or at least treat it as a competitive match) I believe the Thai players will get more from it than any fixture against S'pore, Vietnam etc. Would you have said the same if it was the England national team visiting?

As for the fan issue. From my own point of view I follow all my local teams - Oldham Athletic, Lancashire (cricket) and England (all other sports) - but, like you, I grew up in a culture where that is what you do. I have bigger issues with people from Exeter, Torquay and Bournemouth who "support" Liverpool and M*n U*d etc rather than their home town clubs than I do with Thai people being "fans" of teams based 6,000 miles away. You can understand why they do it but, whilst I don't exactly "foam at the mouth", I'd still rather they showed as much passion for their own national team and leagues.

However, I actually believe that at this current time Liverpool coming here could actually benefit Thai football rather more than it will benefit Liverpool FC. There will be mass media coverage which will surely touch upon the fact that the Thai team is made up of players from the Thai leagues and, who knows, it may just persuade a few more locals to go along to watch domestic football.

As for the fans hanging on the raillings at the airport......I'm in total agreement wth you. Ridiculous behaviour. However, I do reserve the right to change my mind should I be in the same position if Oldham Athletic ever visit the kingdom ; )

[sideliner]

Hear, hear, Vinnie. These games stink and this one in particular brings with it a nasty smell.
Steven Gerrard's court date was set on April 3, more than two weeks before the Asian trip was announced. Yet, he appeared heavily in the print and TV ads ('I've got mine", referring to a ticket for the game). Also, anybody with the slightest interest in football could work out that the Spanish contingent - Torres, Alonso, Reina etc - would be given more time off because of the Confederations Cup. They only joined the squad on Sunday and as they have not trained Benitez (quite rightly) will only play them for a short spell at the end of the game, if that. So fans who have stumped up inflated prices for tickets will not see Gerrard, who is Liverpool to many people, Torres and Alonso in action. What sort of legacy is that, Mr Ayre.

[Vinnie]

On your first point, I'm not sure that I agree that playing those teams you mention would be of more benefit. How seriously do coaches and players take international friendly matches these days anyway? Most, if not all, are glorified training matches which are full of substitutions and played at something less than full pace. If Liverpool treat this game seriously (or at least treat it as a competitive match) I believe the Thai players will get more from it than any fixture against S'pore, Vietnam etc. Would you have said the same if it was the England national team visiting?

Your hypothetical question is an unfortunate one as I take very little interest in the English national side. A combination of factors stretching back to Euro 96 turned me off and I only take a passing interest in their affairs.

You're right to say that most friendly matches are taken less than serously these days, but in my - admittedly limited - experience of Thai football I've seen that matches against the more signficant of the ASEAN footballing nations are always taken seriously. Do you think that that Thailand v Vietnam in Hanoi would be a less competitive match than this promotional event in Bangkok where Rafa Benitez stated yesterday that every player in the squad will be used?

As for the fan issue. From my own point of view I follow all my local teams - Oldham Athletic, Lancashire (cricket) and England (all other sports) - but, like you, I grew up in a culture where that is what you do. I have bigger issues with people from Exeter, Torquay and Bournemouth who "support" Liverpool and M*n U*d etc rather than their home town clubs than I do with Thai people being "fans" of teams based 6,000 miles away. You can understand why they do it but, whilst I don't exactly "foam at the mouth", I'd still rather they showed as much passion for their own national team and leagues.

It is worse when people in England do it, you're quite right. If I foam at the mouth it's because I've always been surrounded by this behaviour. Whereas you come from the traditional football hotbed in England; my part of the country could hardly be described as such. And the fan behaviour I've encountered in Thailand is exactly the same problem I've always rallied against back home.

However, I actually believe that at this current time Liverpool coming here could actually benefit Thai football rather more than it will benefit Liverpool FC. There will be mass media coverage which will surely touch upon the fact that the Thai team is made up of players from the Thai leagues and, who knows, it may just persuade a few more locals to go along to watch domestic football.

It's a nice thought but I rather think it's more likely to create more Livepool fans.

[SriRachaShark]

Thanks for calling Oldham "the traditional football hotbed of England", Vinnie. I just wish that the good people of the borough felt the same. ; )

[jonny]

18. July Thailand - Pakistan 4-0 has not been accepted as A match by FIFA. This mean that they will not get FIFA ranking points for this match.

Thailand were using 8 subs, two more than allowed.


http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/results/index.html#

[TPF]

Thailand Team: Kosin, Suree, Nattapong, Nattaporn, Kiatprawut, Surat, Suchao, Datsakorn (c), Narongchai, Rangsan, Teerasil.

Liverpool Team: Cavalieri, Degen, Insua, Agger, Carragher (c), Plessis, Lucas, Babel, Kuyt, Ngog, Nemeth.

I'll keep an update of the goals here, for anyone interested.

5 mins gone 1-0 to Liverpool...Carragher long ball through the middle and Ryan Babel slots it past Kosin.

HT: Thailand 0 Liverpool 1. Not a great game. Thailands passing has been sloppy and they have looked vulnerable at the back, especially the full backs, who have been dragged out of position a number of times. Thailand have wasted a few set pieces also.

Liverpool have changed almost the entire team at Half Time.

The new X1 is: Gulacsi, Johnson, Kelly, Arbeloa, San Jose, Mascherano, Dossena, Spearing, Voronin, Pacheco, Babel.

Thailand have replaced: Rangsan with Sutee. 65 mins Kiatprawut replaced by Panupong.

72 mins - 1-1: A very well worked goal! Sutee played a one two with Teerasil, before smashing the ball in off the post!

More Thai changes: Narongchai, Nattporn, Teerasil and Kosin off. Pichitpong, Lang, Teeratep and Kawin on.

Reina, Riera and Torres on for Liverpool.

FT: Thailand 1 Liverpool 1. Thailand improved in the second half, got much closer to the Liverpool players and put them under more pressure. Liverpool wll be pleased with the run out, and Thailand can be pleased with the result.

[charade_2010]

Well done , Thailand .    How is the performance of Peter Lang  ?

[TPF]

Well done, Thailand. How is the performance of Peter Lang?

He came onto the field quite late in the game. I don't remember him touching the ball to be honest .

[TPF]

The goals are already up on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjbxg7qzIns

[Vinnie]

Well, I watched it! (know your enemy)

Highlights:
The two goals. Good take down and finish from Babel, and delightful one two as Marco mentioned, carving Liverpool wide open for the Thailand goal.

The kick-off time. FAT take note.

Lowlights (is that a word? It should be)
Huge swathes of the crowd not budging from their seats or even applauding when Thailand equalised.

Liverpool players walking off after the final whistle apparently without acknowledging the crowd who had paid western prices to watch this match. When the players were swapping shirts after the final whistle you could see fans in the background rooted to their seats, presumably waiting for Liverpool players to go to the four sides of the ground (as Thailand usually do). The coverage continued for about five minutes after the final whistle so if the players returned after this then I retract my criticism but they were nowhere to be seen when the coverage ended.

Good to see my rain dance worked, too! (humbug )

[SriRachaShark]

Well, I watched it! (know your enemy)

Highlights:
The two goals. Good take down and finish from Babel, and delightful one two as Marco mentioned, carving Liverpool wide open for the Thailand goal.

The pass from Carragher to set up Babel was pure class.
The kick-off time. FAT take note.

Agree. The start was also delayed by about 15/20 minutes. Liverpool didn't arrive at the stadium until about 7:00pm.

Lowlights (is that a word? It should be)
Huge swathes of the crowd not budging from their seats or even applauding when Thailand equalised.

It was bizarre. There were pockets of Thailand fans dotted around the stadium - the cheerthai group was behind the left hand goal. And 10 of us made up for the majoritys indifference by leaping around like maniacs after the equaliser and urging Thailand on to go for the winner.

Liverpool players walking off after the final whistle apparently without acknowledging the crowd who had paid western prices to watch this match. When the players were swapping shirts after the final whistle you could see fans in the background rooted to their seats, presumably waiting for Liverpool players to go to the four sides of the ground (as Thailand usually do). The coverage continued for about five minutes after the final whistle so if the players returned after this then I retract my criticism but they were nowhere to be seen when the coverage ended.



I found this incredibly disappointing. They all just walked off. Before the game, they did stand in the middle of the pitch and wai to both sides of the ground but I was certainly expecting more afterwards. I'm not sure if the tv coverage showed the pitch invasion a few minutes after the final whistle. The Liverpool players did return to the field (not sure if it was all of them) for a warm down. This prompted a few dozen "fans" to run onto the pitch. The security staff surrounded the players and seemed to escort them back to the tunnel.

The Thai players did show their respect to the fans in the customary manner at the end. A great bunch of lads. I was really pleased for them and they seemed to be quite thrilled at the result.

Good to see my rain dance worked, too! (humbug )

So, you're to blame for this stinking cold I've got as a result of getting soaked through!! I guess that will teach me to disagree with you   

[Vinnie]

I found this incredibly disappointing. They all just walked off. Before the game, they did stand in the middle of the pitch and wai to both sides of the ground but I was certainly expecting more afterwards. I'm not sure if the tv coverage showed the pitch invasion a few minutes after the final whistle. The Liverpool players did return to the field (not sure if it was all of them) for a warm down. This prompted a few dozen "fans" to run onto the pitch. The security staff surrounded the players and seemed to escort them back to the tunnel.

No, the TV coverage faded out as Carragher was in the middle of an interview! They are Michael Jackson style fanatics, aren't they? Extraordinary behaviour.

[SriRachaShark]

A few other observations from last night.

The crowd control was appalling. We had to go through an exremely narrow gate to reach the concourse where our tickets were checked. There was a huge crush at the entrance as hundreds of people tried to push their way through. The location of this gateway was at the top of a set of steps so the crowd were on all different levels. It also seemed to be the only way to gain access to the East stand - all the other ways in had be fenced off and were manned by security staff. This was an hour before kick off so it wasn't as if everyone had arrived late and was rushing to get in.


There was a lot more room once we were through and the usual large gates all appeared to be open. So we actually got into the ground quite easily but this system needs reviewing.

As for the traffic and traffic control around the stadium. I'm sure you can use your imaginations ; )



The catering franchise had been given over to McDonalds so their stalls were everywhere. There didn't seem to be any Thai food for sale inside the stadium. I may be wrong but I didn't see any like I usually do.

Pre match entertainment was provided by a Tesco Lotus marching band. They sang, danced and walked around the running track displaying Tesco Lotus flags. A giant TL flag was unfurled on numerous occasions behind the goal on our left. A giant Thai flag got a solitary outing in the same area.

We were also treated to a selection of Beatles songs. I would have preferred Echo and the Bunnymen.

The crowd was strange. Vinnie has hinted at their response to Thailand's goal above but I honestly expected a bit more support for the national team. The usual cheerthai gang were there and there were one or two pockets elsewhere but virtually everyone was wearing Liverpool related clothing. I saw a few Chonburi shirts, a few Thailand shirts, one Samut Songkhram shirt, one Muang Thong United shirt, one TTM shirt and two P*ttaya U*d shirts.

As you would expect, there were a large number of non Thais in attendance and I did hear quite a few genuine Scouse accents. Hopefully, some of them will now take an interest in the local game.

The match itself wasn't a classic, and two Chonburi players limped off injured (I hope it's not serious!!) but I actually enjoyed it. The usual Thai reluctance to shoot (apart from Datsakorns cheeky 40 yard lob) was in evidence but, as Marco said, we did improve second half. I thought Kosin had a good game. His handling was good and he seemed to command his box in the way I wish he'd do every week.

As for the rain. Loads of people ran for cover as soon as it started. How would these people cope at Boundary Park on a Tuesday night in the depths of an Oldham winter?

To conclude....Vinnie, you made the right decision to stay away. You would have been fuming. As for me, I'm glad I went. It was a good chance to meet up with a few friends (two of whom I haven't seen for a few years) have a few beers and watch a game of football in a packed stadium. I turned a blind eye to all the corporate stuff and enjoyed it for what it was.

However, I do agree with Vinnie in that it will never replace the real thing. I can't wait for Sunday : )

[TPF]

I watched the match on an internet streaming from Fox Soccer USA. The commentators were having a bit of a nightmare with the Thai players names. In the first half they used the players surnames which proving a bit of a mouthful, so in the second half they reverted to the much easier first names. They also got some of the names a bit confused, so we had the twins Surat and Suchao Sukha , and the attacking full back Suree Nuchnum .

They seemed to be very impressed with the Thai team, especially Datsakorn and Sutee (who they made man of the match), and they even had a nice little chat about Chonburi FC during one stoppage in play!

[Vinnie]

The catering franchise had been given over to McDonalds so their stalls were everywhere. There didn't seem to be any Thai food for sale inside the stadium. I may be wrong but I didn't see any like I usually do.

Much like their food, that leaves an unpleasant taste in the mouth and rather flies in the face of the 'Buy Thai Food' adverts I keep seeing on TV.

Pre match entertainment was provided by a Tesco Lotus marching band. They sang, danced and walked around the running track displaying Tesco Lotus flags. A giant TL flag was unfurled on numerous occasions behind the goal on our left. A giant Thai flag got a solitary outing in the same area.

It gets worse!

To conclude....Vinnie, you made the right decision to stay away. You would have been fuming. As for me, I'm glad I went. It was a good chance to meet up with a few friends (two of whom I haven't seen for a few years) have a few beers and watch a game of football in a packed stadium. I turned a blind eye to all the corporate stuff and enjoyed it for what it was.

That's fair enough. Hope you had an enjoyable evening.

[jonny]

BANGKOK (AFP) - Fabio Capello may bring England to Thailand to play a game in the build-up to next year's World Cup in South Africa, officials said Thursday.

Andy Anson, the chief executive of England's bid team for the 2018 World Cup, said Thailand, coached by former Everton and England midfielder Peter Reid, had extended an invitation and it was being considered.

"We are actively trying to find a date for England to play here in Thailand," he told AFP on a visit to Asia to drum up support for England's bid.

"Ultimately that is Fabio Capello's decision—he is the one who decides what type of teams England need to play against. But I think it would be fantastic to see England out here.

"There is a passion for England and the national team, it could work very well.

"We have to ultimately wait for England to qualify, then the draw and finally Fabio Capello and that is the way it should be."



http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=afp-fblwc2018engtha&prov=afp&type=lgns

[Vinnie]

We've been here before though, haven't we? Remember when Worawi made outlandish remarks that England were coming to Thailand (based on an informal conversation he had with one member of the English FA). The problem is that England have not, in living memory, played a friendly outside of Europe during the domestic season. I guess there could be a window between the end of the 2009-10 season and the start of the World Cup but I would be amazed. With all due respect to the Thai national side, and I mean that sincerely, I can't imagine that Capello would consider a match against a side ranked 120th in the world to be appropriate opposition to warm up for the World Cup Finals.

[Vinnie]

As for the rain. Loads of people ran for cover as soon as it started. How would these people cope at Boundary Park on a Tuesday night in the depths of an Oldham winter?

I think we've already established that these 'Liverpool fans' will never get close to the northwest of England. 

[SriRachaShark]

Quote from Vinnie "Lowlights (is that a word? It should be)"

I believe you'll find it in a hairdresser's dictionary ; )