Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Bangkok: Team manager Anucha Nakasai is confident that Thailand's pace can overcome Australia's power when the two sides meet in their 2014 FIFA World Cup round three qualifier in September.
Thailand and the 2011 AFC Asian Cup runners-up were pooled in Group D alongside four-time World Cup qualifiers Saudi Arabia and Oman, who like South East Asians, are looking to take part in the finals for the first time.
"They are admittedly all strong teams but at least we didn't get Japan or South Korea," Anucha was quoted as saying by the Bangkok Post.
"Australia play a high standard of football, but I think we can give them a good game.
"The Australian players are tall but they are a bit slow. I think we have the speed with our short-passing game to upset them, but of course it will be difficult."
Australia were ranked among the top seeds in Saturday's draw in Rio but Saudi Arabia has the edge in terms of World Cup appearances and experience in continental qualifying campaigns with the Aussies having only joined the AFC in 2006.
But despite this - and the appointment of former Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard - Anucha insists the Thais will not be overawed by the three-time Asian champions, who have lost some of their luster according to the chairman of ambitious first division club Chaniat FC.
"They have lost a lot of their best players and I think we can take them on without any problem," continued Anucha, who also believed that home and away victories over Oman could be key to Thailand's campaign.
"If we can get six points from Oman we have a good chance of advancing," he said.