The hosts are bidding to claim their first points
of the campaign in the Asian last-12 World Cup qualifying round against
the Socceroos, a fixture that comes little more than a month since the
passing away of the Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch.
“We made a request to wear black armbands and the Asian Football
Confederation (AFC) granted it. Australia team also asked to pay
respects to the late king by sporting black armbands as well. Besides,
there’ll be a minute’s silence before the kick-off,” said Patis
Supapong, the spokesman of the Football Association of Thailand.
Supasin Leelarit, the FAT vice president, said fans will gather
outside the venue on the match day to sing the royal anthem at 6pm, an
hour prior to the kick-off time.
Meanwhile, national coach Kiatisak Senamuang decided to leave Tana
Chanabut, who grabbed the country’s only goal so far in the qualifying
round in a 3-1 loss away to UAE last month, out of his final 23-man
list. The Port FC striker barely trained with the team during the
training camp over the past two weeks.
Tana and Buriram United defender Narubadin Weerawatnodom were the two
players excluded from the squad for the fixture. Kiatisak decided to
include Suphanburi FC midfielder Charyl Chappuis and Chonburi FC
defender Nattaphon Malaphan in a late call-up.
The former national striker is content with the team’s preparations
as they concluded a two-week camp at Kirin Valley in Khao Yai, Nakhon
Ratchasima province, and returned to the capital yesterday.
“We’re pretty ready for the game. From the first day, all the players
showed their dedication and determination. The lads will fight tooth
and nail on the match day.
“Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter whether we win or lose. The
important thing is that everyone should play to their potential and
stick to the game plan,” said the 43-year-old, whose side are lying at
the bottom of Group B after four games.
Saudi Arabia are leading the way in the group with 10 points, two
ahead of the Socceroos. Traditional powerhouses Japan are a further
point adrift. UAE are fourth in the table, while Iraq, who earned their
first points of the campaign following a 4-0 thumping of the Thais last
month, have three.
Source:
TheNation
