Cambodia coach Issara Sritaro warned Thai players about the danger of Indonesia, ahead of the men's football final of the 32nd SEA Games.
Coach Sritaro and his students are facing the opportunity to bring the men's football gold medal home to Thailand. Photo: Lam Thoa
*Indonesia - Thailand: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, on VnExpress.
"The final is always a challenge," said coach Sritaro. "Indonesia is a flexible and physically strong team. We have to train and prepare well."
Thai Rath newspaper reported that coach Sritaro has come up with three possible lineups for the final. Depending on the actual situation, he will make the most appropriate choice. "We can replace all 11 starting players," Sritaro affirmed. "Players who recover better will have more opportunities to start."
Sritaro also admitted that Thailand did not play really well in the semi-final, despite beating Myanmar 3-0. He wanted the players to focus and perform better in the final.
The Thai coach also warned that Indonesia is studying Thailand's previous matches, but he is not too worried. "First of all, we have to focus on ourselves," Sritaro reminded. "If we play well, I believe Thailand will win."
Striker Achitphon Khirirom also praised Indonesia, saying that they are a strong and determined team. "They showed that very clearly in the semi-final match against Vietnam," he said.
Achitphon and his teammates had two full days off after their semi-final win over Myanmar, so their fitness has fully recovered. He insists he will do everything to beat Indonesia. "Whether it's finishing, assisting or dropping back to defend, I will do everything for the team," he said. "As a striker, I want to score. But if it's a tight game and requires more defending, I'm always ready."
Achitphon (number 10) celebrates scoring in the 1-1 draw with U22 Vietnam on May 11. Photo: Lam Thoa
According to Achitphon, to beat Indonesia, Thailand needs to fight and focus on themselves as they have done since the beginning of the tournament. He called on his teammates to do their best, even if they have to play two extra periods. "As the coach said, we are only one step away from becoming champions," Achitphon shared.
Achitphon scored two goals from the start of SEA Games 32, in a 3-1 win over Singapore and a 1-1 draw with Vietnam.
Thailand holds the record for winning 16 SEA Games men's football gold medals, most recently in 2015. Meanwhile, Indonesia won twice in 1987 and 1991.
Thanh Quy (according to Thai Rath )
Source link
Comment (0)