Kiatisak: It will be tough against the Japanese

The two countries found themselves on the receiving end on Thursday in the opening round of Group B fixtures for the last-12 Asian World Cup qualifiers, with the Thais going down 1-0 to Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, while the Japanese
suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at home to UAE.
Kiatisak had a meeting with his players at the Emerald Hotel and watched videos of Japan’s games, including the recent one against the UAE, before training at Supachalasai Stadium.
The coach, a key figure in the Thai side that made its first appearance in the Asian final qualifying round 15 years ago, said his players face a tough task against Japan, favourites along with Australia to secure the two automatic qualification spots for the finals.
“Even though they [Japan] lost their opening game, it doesn’t mean they didn’t play well. In fact, they put UAE under intense pressure,” Kiatisak said. “It will, no doubt, be a tough test for us. We don’t fear them. We’re ready to fight even though we are inferior to them. All the boys are 100 per cent ready, psychologically.
“We’re at home so we want to claim three points. However, it will be difficult to achieve. They are one of the best teams in Asia but we’ll give everything.”
The major fallout from the opening loss to Saudi Arabia was a second yellow card to midfielder Sarach Yooyen for arguing with the Chinese referee after the final whistle, which ruled him out of the Japan fixture. Kiatisak said he drafted in veteran defensive midfielder Adul Lahso as the sreplacement for the Muangthong United player.