Asian Cup

[Nigb]

updates on the match at www.thaileaguefootball.com

[charade_2010]

ROBSON DEMANDS CONCENTRATION; LIONS NOT GIVING UP

BANGKOK (17 Nov 2009) – Thailand will take on Singapore in the return tie of Group E of the 2011 Asian Cup qualifiers tomorrow with head coach Bryan Robson having to struggle with the unavailability of several regulars.

Goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool and Natthaphong Samana are both suspended after picking up their second yellow cards in Saturday's 3-1 victory over the Lions.

Add to that, there is a big possibility that midfielder Surat Sukha may not be fit enough for the return game due to an injury.

Thailand, whose win on the road over Singapore has put them on second in Group E with five points, will be aiming for the full points at the Rajamangala Stadium.

And Robson remained confident that Thailand can score back-to-back wins over their ASEAN neighbours with Kittisak Rawangpa taking over in goal while Natthaphong will be replaced by Rangsan Vivatchaichok.

And if Surat is not fit, he will be replaced by either Peter Laeng or Nirut Surasiang.

Robson said that although he was pleased with the team's performance, he was not happy with the lack of concentration at the end of the game which saw Singapore score a consolation goal.

“The players have learned a lesson and that they must concentrate for the full 90 minutes,” added Robson.

In the meantime, Singapore have not given up the fight to win a place in the 2011 Asian Cup despite their 3-1 loss at home to Thailand on the weekend.

“I believe that we have the same chance with Thailand of making the Asian Cup in 2011. We should not feel too disappointed with the loss we conceded in our last game,” said striker Aleksandar Duric.

“I admit that we did not play as well as we had hoped in the first half. But once we got into the rhythm, we just did not convert the chances we created. But then, this is football,” said Duric, who has been the S-League’s top scorer for three seasons in a row.

“We managed to be competitive in the second half and the presence of Khairul (Amri) as well as Indra (Sahdan Daud) added pressure on the opponent. But unfortunately, this caused our defence to be a little in the open and that allowed Thailand to capitalize.”

[bon-nirnam]

Care to comment, anyone?

[TPF]

Here you go Bon-nirnam --> http://thaiportfc.blogspot.com/2009/11/0-thailand-vs-singapore-1.html

I hadn't planned on writing anything about the match, so it wasn't fresh in my mind when I wrote it. I think I got most of the main points across though!

[SriRachaShark]

Agree with everything you said there, Marco. We only started to play when Therdsak and Seesaw came on but Singapore still looked comfortable.

Maybe a case of fatigue? It is the end of a long season and those players have just played half a dozen games on very heavy pitches. Not an excuse just an observation.

A very disappointing game, performance and result. It's going to be tough to qualify from here.

[bon-nirnam]

Here you go Bon-nirnam --> http://thaiportfc.blogspot.com/2009/11/0-thailand-vs-singapore-1.html

I hadn't planned on writing anything about the match, so it wasn't fresh in my mind when I wrote it. I think I got most of the main points across though!

Marco,

Thanks for the write up.

No, I couldn't go even if I wanted to. I have been living in San Francisco for the past 26 years.
I can only get update from clips here and there and, of cousre, when there's live televise.

But, one could see this coming and only way to get out of it is to throw the kitchen sink at opposing
team rather than playing not to lose as you often will.

Personally, I believe Pipat has been given prenty of opportunities during Liverpool's friendly but
he had proven he has passed his prime. He is in business whereby timing is everything.

Nirut is a player who may have been once the best at his position but I have been observing him
since 1998(maybe not fair to judge him that way but somehow I knew how far he could go).

It comes down to what Darby was saying, 'the team must have 16 of best 11 players' to sustain
this nature of competition.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts on how the game went and how individual players performed.

Cheers!

[bon-nirnam]

It's an up hill battle from here for Thailand as far as Asian Cup goes.

As for the program, however, it is not just because of this 0-1 lose to Singapore
but the fact that when it counts there always somethings that could create ripple effect
that resulting in a profound longterm impact to it.

We suffered a divastating defeat to Austrlai, we lose to Vietnam and now to Singapore at home.
These events occured while we are trying to gain momentum of constructing faith with home fans.

For players, we can't deny psychological impact on them each time they take the field at home.

Sadly for both prgrams, they managed to undermind their own image with home fans.
The die-hards will always there for the team but the would be may not at least not until
they can convince their home crowd through what perceive to be inspirational performances.

This is not to point fingers at anyone as I am sure everyone involved did their best.
Their best is obviously not good enough at least not for now.

We have a head coach who captured the imagination of many, a capable assistant, a well perceived one
and a pool of several reginal top notch players. So, what is next for Thailand football?

[Vinnie]

A disappointing result and performance, but it's far from all ovet for Thailand. If Singapore draw or lose in Jordan and lose at home to Iran (both fairly likely results) then Thailand just need to win at home to Jordan to go through.

[jakartacasual]

sometimes things just don t happen. in singapore the thais tore straight into them from the start and never allowed them to settle and it s always gonna be difficult to recover when your e on the back foot for so long

a lot of good things happening in thai football at the mopment, woudn t spend too much time in self analysis
football is a simple game and sometimes the simlple things go your way, other times they don t and no amount of preparation can fix that

[jakartacasual]

this is almost a mirror image of what many singaporeans said after saturday

It's an up hill battle from here for Thailand as far as Asian Cup goes.

As for the program, however, it is not just because of this 0-1 lose to Singapore
but the fact that when it counts there always somethings that could create ripple effect
that resulting in a profound longterm impact to it.

We suffered a divastating defeat to Austrlai, we lose to Vietnam and now to Singapore at home.
These events occured while we are trying to gain momentum of constructing faith with home fans.

For players, we can't deny psychological impact on them each time they take the field at home.

Sadly for both prgrams, they managed to undermind their own image with home fans.
The die-hards will always there for the team but the would be may not at least not until
they can convince their home crowd through what perceive to be inspirational performances.

This is not to point fingers at anyone as I am sure everyone involved did their best.
Their best is obviously not good enough at least not for now.

We have a head coach who captured the imagination of many, a capable assistant, a well perceived one
and a pool of several reginal top notch players. So, what is next for Thailand football?

[SriRachaShark]

A HUGE thanks to Nigb for sorting out the tickets for yesterday. I really enjoyed myself last night and it was nice to meet a few more people.

Roll on the next time

[TPF]

Agree with everything you said there, Marco. We only started to play when Therdsak and Seesaw came on but Singapore still looked comfortable.

Maybe a case of fatigue? It is the end of a long season and those players have just played half a dozen games on very heavy pitches. Not an excuse just an observation.

A very disappointing game, performance and result. It's going to be tough to qualify from here.

I think Therdsak will be a very astute signing for Chonburi!

[SriRachaShark]

Agree with everything you said there, Marco. We only started to play when Therdsak and Seesaw came on but Singapore still looked comfortable.

Maybe a case of fatigue? It is the end of a long season and those players have just played half a dozen games on very heavy pitches. Not an excuse just an observation.

A very disappointing game, performance and result. It's going to be tough to qualify from here.

I think Therdsak will be a very astute signing for Chonburi!

I have mixed feelings. He's still a decent player but, at 36, he's not going to be starting (and/or finishing) every game. I just wish he was 10 years younger!

[charade_2010]

THA 0-1 SIN – Lions roar back into contention

BANGKOK – Singapore reignited their 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualification hopes as Aleksandar Duric's first-half header secured a 1-0 victory over Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium on Wednesday.

The hosts dominated much of the game but were unable to convert a number of chances as Duric's 38th minute header settled the Group E encounter and avenged the 3-1 home defeat to the same opponents on Saturday.

The much-needed three points moved Singapore into second place in the group a point clear of Thailand and a point behind leaders Iran, who face Jordan on Saturday.

Singapore came close to taking a fifth minute lead when Fahrudin Mustafic rode several challenges and let fly from 25 yards but Kittisak Rawangpa brilliantly clawed the ball out of the top corner.

Thailand began to exert their authority but the visitors threatened again in the 24th minute when Khairul Amri's back-heel allowed Duric an opening but his effort was deflected wide.

Three minutes later, a loose pass was pounced on by Pipat Thonkanya and the forward turned quickly before bearing down on goal but he eventually fired straight at goalkeeper Hassan Sunny, who held a low volley from the same player shortly afterwards.

Khairul saw a fierce shot deflected behind by Nataporn Phanrit 10 minutes before the break but Singapore broke the deadlock soon after when Duric – standing unmarked in front of the goalkeeper – deftly nodded in Mohamad Shaiful's corner from the left almost on the goal line.

Pipat had great chance to level on the stroke of half-time when Thailand won the ball in midfield and Datsakorn Thongalao played the forward in down the left but he side-footed just beyond the far post.

Thailand began the second half in desperate search of an equaliser but it was Singapore who almost doubled their lead in the 67th minute when Khairul broke but saw his effort roll wide.

Sutee Suksomkit hit a disappointing free-kick into the wall and his follow-up was held by Sunny before Teerasil Dangda met Sutee's excellent cross from the left with a powerful header that flashed narrowly wide.

Pipat missed another excellent opportunity with just under quarter of an hour remaining when another Sutee centre found its way through to the back post but the unmarked forward lashed into the side netting from eight yards.

Duric's side-footed volley flew just the wrong side of the post after the striker got in front of his marker and Hassan held Suchao Nutunum's shot before substitute Peter Laeng saw a powerful drive drift past the upright as Singapore held on.

[Vinnie]

Can anyone answer me this? After the Jordan game on Jan 6th, when will the senior mens' side next play a competitive match at home? Would it be a 2014 World Cup qualifier in 2011?!

[SriRachaShark]

I'm not sure about competitive games but I'm sure we'll be getting a couple of English Premier League teams over between now and then.

[druryfire]

Possibly the most competitive thing you could see next year is Olympic Qualifiers.

If Thailand fail to qualify for Asian Cup, then you can expect a few dull years with regards to bringing over decent National team opposition from within the region.

Qualifying for Asian Cup will hopefully keep the fixture list full of stern tests

[Vinnie]

Possibly the most competitive thing you could see next year is Olympic Qualifiers.

If Thailand fail to qualify for Asian Cup, then you can expect a few dull years with regards to bringing over decent National team opposition from within the region.

Qualifying for Asian Cup will hopefully keep the fixture list full of stern tests

Indeed, but Olympic Qualifiers are U-23 matches. So is it true? The next competitive match in Bangkok for the senior men's side after the Jordan game will be a 2014 WCQ in 2011. Probably in August-September time.

[lokomotive]

The 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers start on October 8, 2010 with Match Day 1 of the first round. MD2 is on October 12, 2010.

[druryfire]

Possibly the most competitive thing you could see next year is Olympic Qualifiers.

If Thailand fail to qualify for Asian Cup, then you can expect a few dull years with regards to bringing over decent National team opposition from within the region.

Qualifying for Asian Cup will hopefully keep the fixture list full of stern tests

Indeed, but Olympic Qualifiers are U-23 matches. So is it true? The next competitive match in Bangkok for the senior men's side after the Jordan game will be a 2014 WCQ in 2011. Probably in August-September time.

Yes, and thats AFC's muck up once again, they moved the Asian Cup to be out of line with the European championship and in turn moved all fixtures to be congested together with big breaks inbetween.

World Cip qualifiers announced for October, but were likely to play Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, you get the gest, so competitive?

[Vinnie]

The 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers start on October 8, 2010 with Match Day 1 of the first round. MD2 is on October 12, 2010.

That's a year earlier than last time. Thailand played Macau in Oct 2007 - a year and a bit after the 2006 World Cup. But this time round they are playing just a couple of months after the conclusion of the 2010 competition. What's that for? Why do they need the extra year?

[druryfire]

The 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers start on October 8, 2010 with Match Day 1 of the first round. MD2 is on October 12, 2010.

That's a year earlier than last time. Thailand played Macau in Oct 2007 - a year and a bit after the 2006 World Cup. But this time round they are playing just a couple of months after the conclusion of the 2010 competition. What's that for? Why do they need the extra year?

At the moment it is not yet clear what format will be used for the qualification process.

There is rumor's that AFC and OFC could be joined together making an extra qualifying round and also the possibilty of extra slots being awarded to the AFC for the next tournament (depending on how will AFC does in SA).


The fixture calendar is not complete yet, so we could see a big gap between Round 1 and Round 2. Who ever goes out in round one has one hell of a wait for the 2018 world cup though!

[Vinnie]

Tickets for the Jordan game have gone on sale. Priced 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 baht. There was 30,000 at the Singapore game; there will be more like 10,000 at this one. Get along if you can, it'll be the last competitive home match for quite a while.

Thailand v Jordan, AFC Asian Cup Qualifier, 18:30 Wednesday 6th January 2010, Rajamangala Stadium.

See you there! 

[SriRachaShark]

From today's Post :

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/29738/thailand-busy-preparing

An interesting little snippet near the bottom.

[charade_2010]

Robson relishes Jordan test

Thailand coach Bryan Robson is confident that his men will beat Jordan in an Asian Cup qualifier at Rajamangala National Stadium on Jan 6.

The former England captain said yesterday that the Thai squad had many players who are good enough to replace each other.

"This is the best squad. If midfielder Surat Sukha cannot play, then we have Peter Laeng," he said.

Surat, who is playing in Australia, and other foreign-based players will join the training camp on Sunday.

Robson said he had studied tapes of Jordan games including their scoreless draw with Thailand in Amman earlier in the Asian Cup qualifying campaign.

"They are a strong team with several tall players. They play well with the high ball," he said.

"But I believe in our potential. We have skills and experience and we will use our strong points to beat Jordan."

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has assigned former Thailand coach Chatchai Paholpat and ex-Thailand international Kiatisak "Zico" Senamuang to assist Robson for Thailand's last two Asian Cup qualifying games.

However, Kiatisak is now unavailable because he has to coach Vietnamese side Hoang Anh Gia Lai.

"Zico is a good assistant coach. I am quite disappointed that he cannot stay to help the national team," Robson said.

Kiatisak said he had to go to Vietnam because the V-League season will kick off next month.

After Jordan, Thailand will travel to Iran for the final qualifying game in March.

Thailand are third in Group E with five points. Iran have seven points, Singapore six and Jordan four. The top two teams advance to the 2011 Asian Cup finals.

[jakartacasual]

From today's Post :

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/29738/thailand-busy-preparing

An interesting little snippet near the bottom.

don t think that was ever really in doubt

[Vinnie]

Who's going tomorrow, then? SRS? nigb? Anyone else?

[SriRachaShark]

Yep. I'll be there.

[jakartacasual]

indonesia play oman same time. looks like i ll be missing my first competitive home international for 2 and a half years

don t even like international football!

[charade_2010]

THA 0-0 JOR – Time running out for Thais

THAILAND - Thailand’s hopes of reaching the 2011 AFC Asian Cup were dealt a blow as they were held to a goalless draw by Jordan at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Wednesday.

 A victory for either side would have put them in a strong position to claim one of the two qualifying spots in Group E but neither were able to make the crucial breakthrough in a game of few clear-cut chances.
 
Iran's victory over Singapore in the other game in the group means Thailand climb into second place but will likely need to avoid defeat at the group leaders in their final qualifying match to have a chance of securing their place at the finals in Doha.
 
Torrential rain prior to the match had delayed kick off by 30 minutes but when action got underway it was Jordan who appeared to adapt quickest to the resultant heavy pitch.
 
Alsaify Odai smartly knocked the ball beyond Panupong Wongsa to go through on goal in the fifth minute but the defender quickly recovered to smash the ball away for a corner just as Odai was about to pull the trigger.
 
Deeb Abdallah then almost profited when a defender misjudged a clearance but he did not react quickly enough and the danger was averted.
 
But Thailand weathered that early pressure and it was Bryan Robson’s side that produced the first shot on goal in the 10th minute when Sutee Suksomkit headed over the bar.
 
Suchao Nutnum then saw his rasping drive expertly cleared by Jordan skipper Aquel Hatem, who lashed out his leg at the last minute to deflect the ball away for a corner.
 
Chances were at a premium after that early flurry with Mohammad Jamal striking a free kick high and wide in the 29th minute while Suchao should have done better for Thailand in stoppage time but his low effort inside the area lacked power.
 
Teeratep Winothai (pictured) fired wide six minutes into the second half for the hosts before the striker had a claim for a penalty waved away in the 66th minute when the tumbled in area when under pressure from a defender.
 
Substitute Ahmad Halim tried his luck from distance for Jordan three minutes later but his well-struck effort was deflected wide for a corner.
 
Therdsak Chaiman should have done better for Thailand 13 minutes from time when a pass found him unmarked on the edge of the area but the veteran forward compounded to send his shot high over the bar.
 
Thailand pressed in the closing stages in a bid to snatch a vital winner and Narongchai Vachiraban attempted a speculative curled effort from 25 yards that goalkeeper Amer Shafi had covered before Kirati Keawsombit headed wide from a corner.
 
But they were unable to find the winner leaving them facing a daunting match against Iran in Tehran likely to determine whether they will be at the AFC Asian Cup next year.

[Vinnie]

A much improved peformance by Thailand but they just couldn't find the back of the net - how many more times are we going to have to say that?! The Leesaw 'penalty' incident looked like a nailed-on penalty from where we were sitting, and the replay I saw this morning confirmed that it was a blatant push by number 35. A definite penalty and therefore probably a straight red for the defender. The referee generally had a good game but he got the biggest decision badly wrong.

The article is slightly misleading when it says that Thailand "likely need to avoid defeat at the group leaders..." No, they have to avoid defeat at the group leaders or they are out no matter what happens in the other game.
But I am ever the optimist when it comes to the national team. Iran are through as champions and now have nothing to play for in the final game. Jordan managed to beat them at home and outplayed them for 70 minutes in Tehran, and Thailand outplayed them in Bangkok.
Jordan and Singapore could easily cancel each other out, and if both final matches finish as draws then Thailand go through on better goal difference. We can still do this!!

[SriRachaShark]

Pretty much agree with that, Vinnie. However, some credit must go to Jordan, who, I felt, got their game plan right.

It was really a night of "what ifs": Leesaw's header in the first half, the penalty claims in the second (I was two feet further away than you and it looked like a penalty to me), Suchao's shot, Therdsak's shot etc. But Jordan too had chances. They started like a house on fire and, even in the second half when they seemed content to soak up Thai pressure, created a couple of opportunities from decent moves.

All in all and disappointing and frustrating experience. However, I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

You can read my thoughts on the Chonburi players contributions here :
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/chonburifc/club_news.pl?news=293949

[Vinnie]

'Interesting' formation last night, too. 

[jakartacasual]

a few thoughts about the indonesia game last nite

http://jakartacasual.blogspot.com/

[lokomotive]

Due to a bank holiday in Bavaria, I was able to watch the game. In the first minutes I was realy shocked by the performance of the defense. It was looking like chicks running around, with no clue what to do and where to go. And these created the most chances for Jordan. Nevertheless, Jordan played very well. Leesaw once more proved what a technical skill footballer he can be. But in the end I felt that he is too soft as a striker alone in front. Beside the fact that I cant realy understand the formation Roboson was sending on. Playing at home with only one real striker on papers? Bringing the secoond in the 74th minute and the third in the 88? For which reasons he left Anon on the bench? He is the top thai goalscorer over the past years. Shouldn't he got his chance? Thailand controlled the game in the second half, but only the first 10 minutes had been very good in my eyes. The rest was dissapointing.

Why thailand is not able to score? The play very well offensively, nice and with ideas over the wings, but fail to create real danger.

[Vinnie]

Why thailand is not able to score?

If they can solve that problem then they will regularly qualify for major tournaments.

[Vinnie]

a few thoughts about the indonesia game last nite

http://jakartacasual.blogspot.com/

Great write up jc. 45,000 at that match. What have Indonesia done to deserve such great support?!

[Nigb]

Why thailand is not able to score?

If they can solve that problem then they will regularly qualify for major tournaments.

I didn't see many shots on goal although they played so well. A reluctance to sieze the moment?

[charade_2010]

Thailand still confident of reaching Asian Cup

The Thai football chief is confident that Thailand will reach the 2010 Asian Cup despite a scoreless draw with Jordan in a qualifier in Bangkok on Wednesday.

Iran have qualified from Group E while Thailand and Singapore both have six points and Jordan five.

Thailand will go to Iran in their final qualifying game in March and Jordan are at home to Singapore.

"I still believe that Thailand will advance to the Asian Cup finals in Qatar next year," said Worawi Makudi, president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT).

"The FAT will give the team two million baht if they qualify for the finals."

To be better prepared for the decisive match, Thailand will train in Qatar before going to Iran, Worawi said.

He said Thailand could benefit from the fact that Iran have already qualified so they may not use their foreign-based players against Thailand.

The Thais will resume training on Monday and will play a friendly with Hyundai Ulsan of South Korea on Wednesday. They will then take part in the King's Cup in Nakhon Ratchasima from Jan 17-23.

[jakartacasual]

a few thoughts about the indonesia game last nite

http://jakartacasual.blogspot.com/

Great write up jc. 45,000 at that match. What have Indonesia done to deserve such great support?!

they re the newcastle of south east asia!

[Vinnie]

By comparison, 15,000 at Thailand v Jordan and 7,500 at Singapore v Iran.

[charade_2010]

One year count-down starts to AFC Asian Cup 2011 finals

KUALA LUMPUR: With the AFC Asian Cup 2011 set to kick off exactly one year from today (Thursday), the Qatar tournament is gradually taking shape with 12 of the 16 finals places confirmed after Wednesday’s penultimate qualifying matches.
Bahrain, China, Iran, Japan, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan have reached the finals through the qualifying competition.
Qatar qualify as hosts while Asian champions Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic earned their places by finishing in the top three of the 2007 finals.
India are there because of their victory at the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup.
Just four spots remain. One goes to the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup winners while the other three will be determined during the final round of qualifiers on March 3.
Major milestone
Ryan Healy, AFC Asian Cup Director, said the start of the one-year countdown heralds the beginning of an exciting build-up to Asia’s premier national team competition.
“The one-year countdown marks an important milestone in the preparations for the AFC Asian Cup,” Healy told the-afc.com.
“The 16 finalist teams are all but confirmed and planning is progressing well with the Qatar Local Organising Committee.
“We look forward to some exciting events in the build-up to the competition, starting with the Final Draw for which we hope to announce the date and venue shortly.”

Qatar profile
For hosts Qatar, the chance to host the finals will not only help boost football in the region but also raise the country’s international standing, according to Saoud Al Mohannadi, Chief Executive Officer of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 Qatar Local Organising Committee.
He said Qatar are well on track to staging the tournament, which is expected to generate global attention from the international media.
“With a year to go, our preparations are well underway to stage Asia’s premier football tournament,” said Al Mohannadi.
“We are proud to be hosts of such a major sporting event and look forward to welcoming the 15 other qualifying countries.
“This tournament will once again demonstrate that Qatari hospitality is second to none. It will also provide us with an opportunity to enhance our reputation as a regional hub for major international sporting events.”

Race is on
Meanwhile the race for three of the final four places goes down to the wire on March 3.
A tense battle in Group B has three teams – Kuwait, Australia and Oman – battling it out for the top two automatic qualification places.
Kuwait and Australia drew 2-2 in Kuwait City on Wednesday, giving both teams eight points from five matches, one point ahead of Oman.
In the final round, Australia host bottom side Indonesia at the Suncorp Stadium while Oman are at home to the Kuwaitis, who need a draw to go through.
In Group E, Thailand, Singapore and Jordan are all vying to join group winners Iran in the final.
The Iranians have 10 points from five matches with Thailand and Singapore on six points each and Jordan on five.
The Thais have the tougher task of having to play Iran at the Azadi Stadium while Jordan must look for victory at home to Singapore to make sure of their place in the Qatar finals.

[bon-nirnam]

By comparison, 15,000 at Thailand v Jordan and 7,500 at Singapore v Iran.

We are waiting for the number to reach 20k+ before we put together our peak performance.
15k is too low by our standard, sorry.  :

[Vinnie]

By comparison, 15,000 at Thailand v Jordan and 7,500 at Singapore v Iran.

We are waiting for the number to reach 20k+ before we put together our peak performance.
15k is too low by our standard, sorry.  :

I hope to see an increase in attendances as the domestic league becomes more popular. To be honest it was 5,000 more than I was expecting.
There was 30,000 at the Thai v Singapore match which is the highest attendance in the group so far.

[SriRachaShark]

In the 13 years that I have been following the national team it has always been difficult to predict the attendance at games. It varies wildly and it's not always an indication of what is a stake or how the team is playing.

I've been fortunate enough to have been present in both stadiums when they have been full and it is truly breathtaking. I've also been there when they have been virtually empty - the friendly, at Rajamangala, against Iraq a couple of years ago was watched by about 100 people. We were all seated in the small area just to the left of the royal box.


As regular posters are aware, I'm in favour of Thailand playing international games all over the country. I think then we'd see bigger attendances, especially for cup qualifiers.

[Vinnie]

I note that Vietnam lost their final group game 2-1 to China. This means they finish on five points. So "the best team in ASEAN" (Henrique Calisto) have been outperformed by both Thailand and Singapore.

[charade_2010]

Robson picks squad for Asian Cup

National coach Bryan Robson yesterday announced the Thai squad for the decisive Asian Cup qualifier in Iran on March 3.

Bangkok Glass' Anawin Jujeen was originally in the 20-man squad but the midfielder withdrew due to injury.

Robson then called up three new faces Chatree Chimtalay, Vichaya Dejmit and Surachate Ngarm-thip. But only one of the Bangkok Glass' trio will be on the trip to Iran.

The Iranians have already qualified for next year's Asian Cup in Qatar.

Thailand have to beat Iran for a ticket to the finals. A draw will also see Thailand through if Jordan also draw with Singapore in Amman in the other Group E match on the same day.

THAILAND'S SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool and Kawin Thamsatchanan

Defenders: Suree Sukha, Natthaphong Samana, Nataporn Phanrit, Panupong Wongsa, Chonlatit Jantakam and Suttinun Phukhom

Midfielders: Rangsan Vivatchaichok, Datsakorn Thonglao, Suchao Nutnum, Sutee Suksomkit, Therdsak Chaiman, Narongchai Vachiraban, Surat Sukha and Phichiphong Cheuichieu

Strikers: Teerathep Winothai, Pipat Thonkanya and Kirati Kaewsombut

[TPF]

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/02/20/sports/Pundits-puzzle-over-Thai-squad-selection-for-Iran--30123015.html

The Thai squad selection for next month's must-win Asian Cup Group E qualifier against Iran has kicked up controversy following some dubious inclusions in the roster.

Despite heading into the final round of the fixtures in the second of the two qualification places, the Thai side coached by former England captain Bryan Robson, cannot afford relax, with both Singapore and Jordan breathing down their necks.

Holding a singlepoint lead over bottom side Jordan, the Thais need a win in the tricky-looking Tehran fixture against their already-qualified hosts to guarantee their place in the Cup in Qatar next year.

The Football Association of Thailand yesterday announced the squad for the Middle East trip. The announcement, though, was met with suspicion over the association's selection procedure.

Questions were asked as to why midfielder Narongchai Wachiraban, who is still carrying an injury that ruled him out of the recent Queen's Cup for his club, was included while experienced and inform nationalteam players such as striker Sarayooth Chaikamdee and defender Rungroj Sawangsri were omitted from the squad.

Steve Darby, recently removed from his post as assistant to Robson, was rumoured to have had a major involvement in the selection. The rumours suggested the Englishman told certain players before the list was released that they would be in the squad.     

[charade_2010]

Questions were asked as to why midfielder Narongchai Wachiraban, who is still carrying an injury that ruled him out of the recent Queen's Cup for his club, was included while experienced and inform nationalteam players such as striker Sarayooth Chaikamdee and defender Rungroj Sawangsri were omitted from the squad.

Yeah , I also think Keerati Kaewsombat should be replaced by Sarayoot .
About Rungroj Sawangsri - the captain of Thailand U23 in SEA Games 22 ( 2003 , Vietnam ) - I haven't heard any news about him since then . How is his manners now ? 

[Vinnie]

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/02/20/sports/Pundits-puzzle-over-Thai-squad-selection-for-Iran--30123015.html

The Thai squad selection for next month's must-win Asian Cup Group E qualifier against Iran has kicked up controversy following some dubious inclusions in the roster.

Despite heading into the final round of the fixtures in the second of the two qualification places, the Thai side coached by former England captain Bryan Robson, cannot afford relax, with both Singapore and Jordan breathing down their necks.

Holding a singlepoint lead over bottom side Jordan, the Thais need a win in the tricky-looking Tehran fixture against their already-qualified hosts to guarantee their place in the Cup in Qatar next year.

The Football Association of Thailand yesterday announced the squad for the Middle East trip. The announcement, though, was met with suspicion over the association's selection procedure.

Questions were asked as to why midfielder Narongchai Wachiraban, who is still carrying an injury that ruled him out of the recent Queen's Cup for his club, was included while experienced and inform nationalteam players such as striker Sarayooth Chaikamdee and defender Rungroj Sawangsri were omitted from the squad.

Steve Darby, recently removed from his post as assistant to Robson, was rumoured to have had a major involvement in the selection. The rumours suggested the Englishman told certain players before the list was released that they would be in the squad.    

I fail to see the controversy.