Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Riyadh: Star midfielder Chanathip “Messi Jay” Songkrasin says that qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia will be a hugely difficult task for Thailand but is far from mission impossible.
The War Elephants launch their final round qualification campaign against Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on September 1 and then face four-time AFC Asian Cup winners Japan in Bangkok five days later. Australia, Iraq and United Arab Emirates also feature in Group B, with the top two teams qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Chanathip’s intuitive reading of the game, crisp passing and mazy runs were a feature of Thailand’s play as they topped Group F in the second round thanks to two draws with Iraq and home and away wins over Vietnam and Chinese Taipei.
“I think it will be difficult (to qualify) but this is football and nothing is impossible. Japan are good but sometimes Japan can lose. Australia can lose, that is football,” Chanathip said.
“We will take it game by game. Every game will be important.
“The coach (Kiatisuk Senamuang) says in our home games, we must win. But away from home to get only one point is okay, not lose. At home we must get three points. It will be difficult but we can do it.”
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