Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Ho Chi Minh City: It will be a clash of familiar foes according to coach Nuengrutai Srathongvian when her Thailand side face-off against regional rivals Myanmar in their Group B showdown on Monday with the fifth-place play-off at stake and potential ticket to next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Having both lost their first group two games, against Korea Republic and China respectively, the Southeast Asian sides know that whomever comes out on top in the contest at Binh Duong Stadium will advance to face the third-placed team from Group A and the chance to make a maiden appearance at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.
History, though, is on Thailand’s side. A similar scenario was present at the 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in China as the two sides also met in their final group stage game. Thailand came out on top in that match with a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Junpen Seesraum and Waranya Chaikantree, to finish third in Group A, although without a World Cup place at stake.
In more recent times the margin for error was even slimmer between the neighbouring countries, as their 2013 Southeast Asian Games semi-final last December was decided on penalties with Thailand coming out on top again with a 9-8 win in the shootout, after a 2-2 scoreline following extra-time.
“We have played Myanmar many, many times and sometimes we win, sometimes they win. So it’s going to be a very close and difficult game against them,” said coach Nuengrutai, who still has injury concerns with midfielders Ainon Phancha and Naphat Seesraum doubtful to start.
“Last time we faced them the match went to penalties, so it’s hard to say who has the upper hand going into this important game. We will definitely give 100% to try and win it.”
Having conceded four goals more than Thailand so far in the continental competition, however, Yoshinori Kumada’s Myanmar side must win to advance while their opponents can edge through into the fifth-place playoff with a draw.
“We are obviously very familiar with the Thailand team as they are a big rival for us. We have faced them many times in the past and will do so again in the future,” said coach Kumada.
“I knew former coach Jatuporn Pramualban’s tactics quite well and, although the current coach is quite new to the role, we know what to expect from their side and have planned some strategies accordingly.
“We hope that our players will be in their best condition for the match so we can achieve the best result and get a chance at playing for the World Cup ticket.”