Thailand plot China Cup final shock

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Thailand plot China Cup final shock 

By LERPONG AMSA-NGIAM 
THE NATION

 

Thailand’s assistant team coach Choketawee Promrut says Uruguay have weaknesses that can be exploited tonight by players like Chanathip Songkrasin. 

 

Choketawee backs J-League trio to stun mighty Uruguay today

 

NATIONAL assistant coach Choketawee Promrut says Thailand must find a loophole in Uruguay’s game if his side is to cause a major upset in the China Cup final in Nanning tonight.

 

Thailand caused a huge impact in the four-side friendly tournament by beating the hosts 1-0 with a goal scored by Chanathip Songkrasin in the first round on Thursday. Interim coach Sirisak Yodyadthai and his Thai team now face world-class Uruguay, who beat Uzbekistan 3-0, in tonight’s final which is being broadcast live from 7pm on Thairath TV (Channel 32).

 

Former national-team midfielder Choketawee acknowledged Uruguay would be a hard nut to crack but said his team will seek their weaknesses to achieve the impossible.

 

“It will be a tough game against Uruguay. I saw them play against Uzbekistan, they are very strong defensively and offensively. We have to maximise our effort and remain disciplined throughout the match,” said the 44-year-old assistant coach.

 

“But in football, no team is 100 per cent perfect. Uruguay may be tough, but they are vulnerable occasionally and will give chances for us to attack,” added Choketawee, who was also with the team for January’s Asian Cup when Thailand managed to reach the round of 16 before losing to China.

 

The assistant coach said Thailand players like the J-League trio of Chanathip (Consadole Sapporo), captain Theerathon Bunmathan (Yokohama Marinos) and Thitiphan Puangchan (Oita Trinita) were capable of causing a stunning result.

 

“Our players will be nervous but if they summon their top form, I believe we will have opportunities. If we |succeed, it will be something huge,” he added. 

Choketawee also underlined the importance of mental concentration in his team’s bid to score a famous victory today.

 

“We can’t expect anything to come easy in this match, every moment will be tough. If we lose the ball and our position, we have to fight back as quickly as possible. We hope for a surprise, but it will be a great experience for our team whatever happens.”

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/sports/30366482

 

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