AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
The Southeast Asian side suffered a 3-0 loss in their opening fixture, but head coach Masahiko Okiyama - content with the performance of his charges - is not eyeing any major upheaval ahead of taking on the hosts.
“We will firstly focus on recovering and ensuring that all the players are physically ready,” he said. “Against Thailand, the team will continue to play defensively and try to win the ball better by organising effective and structured counter attacks.”
Despite his unfailing optimism, Okiyama admitted that the match would not be easy.
Despite his unfailing optimism, Okiyama admitted that the match would not be easy.
“There are a lot of things that will be favourable for Thailand because this is their home. From the weather and familiarity with the pitch to the support of the home crowd, these are all factors that will work in their favour,” he said.
“Moreover, I have noticed the way forwards Kurisara Limpawanich and Cayden Illiana play, along with Pichayatida Manowang in midfield, and we will have to focus on containing them.”
“Moreover, I have noticed the way forwards Kurisara Limpawanich and Cayden Illiana play, along with Pichayatida Manowang in midfield, and we will have to focus on containing them.”
#U20WAC - Matchday Two Preview
Following their impressive comeback against Bangladesh in their opening match, Thailand will be upbeat as they go in search of a second win, but head coach Nuengrutai Srathongvian refused to lower her guard.
“We have played Vietnam so many times, we know how strong they really are,” said Srathongvian. “We will definitely need to play a better game than we did against Bangladesh.
“There are some areas of weakness that we will need to fix before the upcoming match, but I think our main focus will be to boost the confidence of the team and help them overcome the nerves from the first match, which at times did not allow them to play according to plan.”
“There are some areas of weakness that we will need to fix before the upcoming match, but I think our main focus will be to boost the confidence of the team and help them overcome the nerves from the first match, which at times did not allow them to play according to plan.”
Vietnam v Thailand
Venue: Thammasat Stadium (Thammasat)
Kickoff: Saturday, 20:00 (UTC +7)
Venue: Thammasat Stadium (Thammasat)
Kickoff: Saturday, 20:00 (UTC +7)
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