Thailand to field second string team against Kazakhs
[SOCCER] With a berth in Saturday's final already secured, Thailand's national team head coach Chanwit Pholchivin is likely to field a second-string side in their last round-robin match against beleaguered Kazakhstan in the 37th quadrangular King's Cup tournament today.
After chalking up two successive victories (2-1 against Vietnam and 2-0 against Singapore) in their first two matches, high-flying Chanwit's side can afford the luxury of resting key players against the European opposition, who are yet to register a win (one draw and one loss) in the annual competition. Chanwit, who took over the post after German coach Siegfried Held had been controversially relieved at the beginning of last year, said the game against the Kazakhs presented him an ideal opportunity to rotate his players as the fatigued side is hit with injuries. Left back Natthaporn Panlit is doubtful of further participation in the tournament after damaging his right shoulder. "We have to check on the fitness of many of my players. Natthaporn certainly cannot play tomorrow, possibly the rest of the tournament, while forward Sarayoot Chaikamdee also has a thigh injury and he will be rested," said Chanwit. "Players who are yet to figure in the first two games will get a start to prove themselves, which would give me plenty of data while selecting the team in the future." Kazakhstan hold a distinct physical advantage over the under-strength team but Chanwit believes his players will claim a hat-trick of victories. "Although there will be many changes to our side which might disrupt our rhythm, we will put emphasis on attack. I believe tomorrow's game will be exciting and should impress the fans - something that is more important than the result as we would like to stir up the public. "However, we cannot underestimate them because they still harbour hopes of making it to the final. They play the Eastern European style, focussing on defence and waiting for a counter-attack so we should be very careful about that and also their aerial threat," said Chanwit. The identity of Thailand's opponent in Saturday's final remains unclear as the other three teams all have a chance of qualifying. The match between Thailand and Kazakhstan will be held at Suphachalasai stadium. The admission fee is Bt50, Bt100 and Bt200. Channel 7 will televise the game live from 7pm.
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