THAILAND ENTICE REAL MADRID FOR AUGUST DATE

Atthachai Burakamkovit, the permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry, said that the ministry have been in contact with Real Madrid on just such a possibility.

The ministry wants the side, who feature players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka among other superstars, have been asked whether they can play in Bangkok in August as part of the celebrations of Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday.

If both sides reach an agreement, Real Madrid would likely play the Thai national team coached by Bryan Robson at the Rajamangala Stadium.

Atthachai said the government would have to invest around 60 million baht (USD1.9 million) to bring the team known as the ‘Galacticos’ to Bangkok.

He said if Real Madrid reject Thailand’s offer, the government would contact other big European clubs such as Inter Milan, AC Milan or Manchester United.

In the meantime, Iran won the Thailand 5s Futsal tournament which ended in Udon Thani on the weekend.

Hosts Thailand, who are using the tournament as part of their preparation for the AFC Futsal Championship next month, finished at the bottom of the heap.

In the final round of the round-robin four-team tournament, Iran defeated Argentina 3-1 while Thailand beat Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Centara Hotel and Resort.

Thailand got goals from Supawut Thernklang in the 8th minute, Panomkorn Saisorn (12th) and Ekapong Suratsawang (22nd) while Nattaphon Sutiroj scored a 16th minute own goal for Uzbekistan’s only goal in the game.

Iran had nine points from three wins.
Uzbekistan, Argentina and Thailand each had three points but the home side finished last because of their inferior goal difference.