YANGON (13 Dec 2013) – While he did not want to get ahead of himself by talking about the semifinals, Thai coach Kiatisuk Senamuang said that it did not matter which team they faced in the last four of the men’s SEA Games football competition.
“My primary concern is achieving our target which is to win the gold medal. So it really does not matter if we are up against Malaysia, Vietnam or Singapore in the semifinals,” said the former Thai striker.
Thailand, the most successful team in the history of the SEA Games, have one foot in the semifinals after securing their second successive victory over Indonesia last night. They whipped Indonesia 4-1 and defeated Timor Leste 3-1 in their opening game.
After last night’s win, Thailand top the group with six points. Myanmar, with two wins against Cambodia and Timor Leste, also have six points but are second on goal difference. Thailand and Myanmar will afce each other tomorrow in a crucial tie that could likely decide the group champion.
“We have a break tomorrow and will work on our preparations against Myanmar. They are a good side and we must be ready. Fortunately, we only have one injured player (Thitiphan Puangjan),” he said.
On his team’s convincing win against Indonesia which has heightened hopes of a Thai victory for the first time since 2007, Kiatisuk advised against getting too carried away with the result. “We were lucky to have scored an early goal and that made it easier for us. Indonesia had to chase the game.”
Thailand and Myanmar will square-off at 6.45pm at the Youth Training Centre Stadium tomorrow.
