Published on July 23, 2005

[SOCCER] Thai head coach Chanwit Pholcheewin hopes his side can reproduce the form that earned them a stunning penalty shoot-out victory over Everton when the home side takes on Bolton Wanderers in the final of the FA Premier League Asia Trophy today.

On Wednesday, few people expected Thailand’s U-23 team could upset a Premier League outfit like Everton, who last season came fourth place and earned a berth in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers.

However, the Thai team showed much more enthusiasm than the Merseyside outfit, who struggled in the humid conditions, and thoroughly deserved the win.

Despite the memorable result against the Liverpool-based side, Chanwit still believes Thailand only has a slim chance of defeating the Trotters today.

“The game against Bolton is more difficult than our match against Everton because they [Bolton] should know more about us after watching us play the first game,” said Chanwit, who took over the post from German Siegfried Held earlier this year.

“Playing against Bolton is going to be tough because they are good both in the air and on the ground.

“Besides, their players are better technically than us. And if they field their star players like Jay-Jay Okocha or El Hadji Diouf, who have awesome individual abilities, it might be even tougher for us.”

But Chanwit, who brought much success to Thailand at youth level, believes that if Thailand can reproduce their excellent form in the opening game, they may spring a surprise again.

“Anything is possible in football. Who knows, we might cause a surprise again,’’ he said.

“However, what I expect is not a win but a consistent display by our players. They must show determination like they did against Everton.

“And if they can do that, a good result will follow.”

Chanwit said injuries might force him to make some changes to the starting line-up that took on Everton.

“Both Pichitpong Choeichiu, who scored against Everton, and Suchao Nutchnum are in doubt for tomorrow’s match,’’ he said.

“Pichitpong has an ankle injury and at the moment can only jog.

“But I will wait until the last minute to make my decision on whether they are fit to play.

“If Pichitpong cannot play, Suchon Sanguandee will be moved back to midfield, and Piyawat Thongmaen’s partner up front will be between Teeratep Winothai and Chachrit Buathong.”

Team manager Tawatchai Sajjakul said he was satisfied after Thailand silenced their critics with the stunning victory over Everton.

“Everywhere I go people look at me with contempt, but the result against Everton speaks for itself.”

Tawatchai said he was confident Thailand could repeat the feat against Bolton.

“Some said the odds were a goal and a half in the game against Everton,’’ he said.

“But if anyone dares to give the same odds tomorrow, I’ll challenge it.”

Possible Thai team for today’s match: Kosin Hathairattanakul (gk), Noppol Pitafai, Suree Sukha, Kiartprawut Saiwaew, Prat Samakraj, Datsakorn Thonglao, Suchao Nutchnum, Jakkrit Boonkham, Piyawat Thongmaen, Teeratep Winothai or Chachrit Buathong.

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation

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