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Thailand coach Winfried Schafer calls for focus ahead of crucial Oman World Cup qualifier
The German coach believes his Thai squad have a great opportunity to progress to the next stage of the qualifying campaign despite not being in the best form lately
Feb 10, 2012 7:00:00 AM
By Eric Noveanto
Thailand coach Winfried Schafer has called for focus ahead of a crucial match against Oman to qualify for the fourth and final round of 2014 World Cup qualifying in Asia.
Schafer's men are currently bottom of table but a win in Muscat could see them progress but must hope for a Saudi Arabia slip up against Australia.
Despite bagging 3-0 win against the Omanis in the first meeting in Bangkok, the German boss reminded his player to keep vigilant.
"Obviously it is a crucial game for both teams and for us it is a must-win but it is also a great chance," he told Fifa.com
"We should enter the match with our best shape and play with a big heart.
"Oman are a good team, they have proven themselves by beating Australia," said Schafer.
However, the 62-year-old German tactician is faced with several problems in his preparations for the clash, from the players' injuries to the lack of fitness.
"Injuries cost us dearly during the campaign, we missed as many as five key players, who are the nucleus of our team so we couldn't field a full-strength side," he explained.
The most worrisome issue is the injury to Muangthong United striker Teerasil Dangda, who has been nursing a nagging groin problem.
"We will try to get him back to form soon through a special training. We have no other option but to play at our top form to win.”
Thailand's recent form is far from satisfactory. In January's King's Cup they lost all three games against Denmark League XI, Norway and South Korea Under-23 team.
Schafer's men are currently bottom of table but a win in Muscat could see them progress but must hope for a Saudi Arabia slip up against Australia.
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Despite bagging 3-0 win against the Omanis in the first meeting in Bangkok, the German boss reminded his player to keep vigilant.
"Obviously it is a crucial game for both teams and for us it is a must-win but it is also a great chance," he told Fifa.com
"We should enter the match with our best shape and play with a big heart.
"Oman are a good team, they have proven themselves by beating Australia," said Schafer.
However, the 62-year-old German tactician is faced with several problems in his preparations for the clash, from the players' injuries to the lack of fitness.
"Injuries cost us dearly during the campaign, we missed as many as five key players, who are the nucleus of our team so we couldn't field a full-strength side," he explained.
The most worrisome issue is the injury to Muangthong United striker Teerasil Dangda, who has been nursing a nagging groin problem.
"We will try to get him back to form soon through a special training. We have no other option but to play at our top form to win.”
Thailand's recent form is far from satisfactory. In January's King's Cup they lost all three games against Denmark League XI, Norway and South Korea Under-23 team.
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
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