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Published on December 4, 2007

Having scrapped to a 3-2 victory over Burma in their opening fixture on Sunday, the Thai team, who have won the tournament seven times

on the trot, are lying in the second spot due to their inferior goal-scoring record to Indonesia.

The manner the hosts achieved the result, in which they needed to survive a nervy final stretch after Burma threatened with two late goals, drew flak from the media.

So, the fans expected an improved performance from Thongsuk's men in their second match against Cambodia, considered by many as the weakest team in the section.

Thongsuk hopes the criticism his team faced would not affect the team's morale when they face the Cambodians, who suffered a 3-1 defeat to Indonesia.

"The lads are still in good state of mind. The criticism didn't affect them. It served as a wake-up call for us. I believed the players would display their real potential against Cambodia," said Thongsuk, leading the team for the first time in an international tournament.

The unconvincing display against Burma came at the cost of goalkeeper Veera Kurdputsa as Thongsuk will hand Siwarak Terdsoongnern a start against Cambodia. Midfielder Ithipol Poolsap will also be replaced by Apiphu Sunthornpanawet. The knock that Manchester City-bound striker Teerasil Daengda and fullback Natthapong Samana sustained during the Burma match has made the two doubtful for the game.

Channel 5 will televise the match live from 6.30pm.

The Nation