Preview: Matchday Three - Group A

THAILAND v HONG KONG

After dishing out an ominous 15-0 hammering to Macau on opening night, Thailand had looked like title contenders, but a Matchday Two draw against newcomers Indonesia means the hosts could be now eliminated with an unlikely defeat to Hong Kong.

Thai mentor Udom Taveesuk made no secret of his dissatisfaction with the 1-1 stalemate against the disciplined Indonesians.

“We had many chances to score but we couldn’t take them. That was our mistake. In the next game we must keep our focus and take our chances,” he said.

“We prepared for many, many weeks but the players could not follow my tactics. For the next match we’ll work more on communication to make sure the players understand each other.”

Despite the setback, Thailand will still qualify for the Knockout Stage with a draw against Hong Kong, and will likely top the group if they return to the winners list, and the forthright Udom reiterated his belief in his players.