PUBLISHED : 2 Feb 2024 at 06:00
NEWSPAPER SECTION: Sports
WRITER: Tor Chittinand
The War Elephants, who had an impressive run at the on-going Asian Cup in Qatar, returned home yesterday after their exit from the tournament following a 2-1 loss to Uzbekistan in the last 16 round on Tuesday.
The Thais are next scheduled to play their third match of the Fifa World Cup Asia Zone qualifiers against South Korea in Seoul on March 21.
Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii told media upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport that he was continuing to analyse the South Korean team.
“I have to give the credit to every player. We did not have much time to prepare the team, but the players showed a lot of determination and it made the results come out good,” said the Japanese coach.
“While preparing for the tournament, I asked the player I need their commitment to training as my birthday gift. They all showed so much determination and that was a great birthday gift for me.”
Ishii indicated that he has already shifted his focus to the World Cup qualifiers.
“We have been analysing the South Korean team but since they are still in the Asian Cup, we will keep watching them,” said Ishii. “I think South Korea and Japan will be finalist in this tournament.”
He also thanked the Thai fans for supporting the War Elephants.
“A big thank you to the fans for cheering the team and I would also like to thank the clubs who allowed their players to join the squad.”
Thailand are in Group C with China, Singapore and South Korea for the second phase of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 Fifa World Cup finals.
They were beaten 2-1 at home in the opening game by China, the defeat leaving them in a precarious position.
Thailand beat Singapore 3-1 in their next group game.
The top two teams in each of nine groups will advance to the next stage and Juergen Klinsmann’s South Korea are hot favourites to be Group C champions.
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