Kiatisak's World Cup hopes high after hairraising win
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Following Thursday night's thrilling comeback victory over Taiwan, national football team coach Kiatisak Senamuang is hoping the Taiwanese can take at least a point from their upcoming game against Iraq, which would ensure Thailand's qualification for t
The Thai side, frontrunners in Group F, rallied from a goal down to beat bottom side Taiwan 4-2 at a soldout Rajamangala National Stadium, a crucial win that put them on the brink of qualification for the last-12 round for only the second time.
Kiatisak’s side were indebted to striker Teerasil Dangda and substitute Thana Chanabut, who scored a goal apiece and set up another to help the hosts tame gritty visitors who had lost all of their three games before Thursday’s fixture.
The result extended the Thais’ lead at the top over second-placed Iraq to eight points from five matches, though 2007 Asian champions and group favourites Thailand have played two games fewer. To pip Thailand to the top spot and automatic qualification, Iraq need to win all their three remaining matches including a clash against the Thais in the final group game on March 24.
Iraq’s hopes, though, could be dashed as early as Tuesday when they visit Taiwan, if the latter reproduce the kind of form they showed in giving the Thais a fright.
“At the moment, there’s a high possibility we could make it to Asia’s last-12 team round. We are also hoping that Taiwan don’t lose to Iraq in their next qualifier.
“If they avoid defeat, we would qualify as group winners immediately. If not, the match against the Iraqis in Tehran will determine who claims the top spot.
“Even though that [Iraq fixture] will be a tough challenge, I’m confident we can come away with a draw at least. In fact, our only target is to claim a win,” said the 42-year-old Kiatisak.
Meanwhile, Police United forward Thana, who came off the bench to set up the Thai team’s third goal in the second half before getting himself on scoresheet to wrap up the win, said he felt goosebumps at the sight of the fullhouse for the Taiwan fixture.
“I would like to thank all the fans. My hair stood on end when I was on the field and saw the stands. That helped me and my teammates to put in 100 per cent so as to give them [the fans] something back,” said Thana, the leading scorer in the secondtier League One.
