Datsakorn's injury a big setback
[SOCCER] Thailand are cursing their luck after learning that key player Datsakorn Thonglao may not figure in their last Group B match against Malaysia today due to a serious back injury, which might hamper their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of the Asean Football Championship.
Thailand are leading the group by goal difference over contenders Malaysia. That means coach Chanwit Pholchivin's side hold a slim advantage in making it through the last four of the biennial tournament, formerly known as "Tiger Cup". Therefore, they cannot afford a draw against Malaysia, if the Burmese, in third place with two points, win the match over whipping boys Philippines by more than three goals. However, the goal advantage will count for nothing if the three-time champions suffer an upset against Malaysia, who lead in their 117 head-to-head meetings with 49 wins and 38 losses. The loss of the team's creative source in dynamic midfielder Datsakorn does not help Thailand's cause. "I'm very concerned because several of our first-team players have suffered injuries. The game against Malaysia will be a clincher. So it certainly will not be an easy match," said Chanwit, the national team head coach who steered Thailand to victory in the King's Cup tournament last month. "Every team in the region puts in more than 100 per cent when they play us. The team we consider an easy opponent become a tiger. "We have to attack from the word go and score early," added the experienced coach. Chanwit said Datsakorn's back injury was quite serious, which might threaten the playing career of the midfielder if he is allowed to play in today's match. "Datsakorn has had this injury before the start of the tournament. He was forced to play after taking pain-killing injections from the opening match. "His injury aggravated when he was tackled severely from behind during the game against the Philippines. He is a stubborn person and he wants to play. However, the team doctor has warned him to take rest or else he would be disabled for ever," said Chanwit. Chanwit, however, received some good news. Evergreen striker Kiartisak "Zico" Senameung, who had a sore back and had to sit out the game against the Philippines, is fit and raring to go. The Thailand-Malaysia match will take place at Suphachalasai stadium. Channel 7 and Star Sports will televise the game live from 7pm.
|
