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Published on March 26, 2008

Thailand take on Oman in a crucial Group B match of the Asian World Cup qualifiers today.

The Thai team find themselves at the bottom of the table after a 4-1 defeat to Japan last month, while Oman, ranked 86th in the world, surprisingly succumbed to a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Bahrain.

Bahrain host Japan today.  The Japanese are tipped to top the group and make it through to the next round, leaving the other three teams vying for the remaining qualification spot.

Thailand's campaign, in all reality, will start with today's fixture, and anything less than a win will deal a massive blow to their qualification hopes.

A fierce battle is expected, considering that both teams are desperate to earn their first points of the campaign.

The home side heads into the match in confident mood after their thrilling 3-3 away draw to China in a friendly earlier this month, a last-gasp goal denying the Thais a

famous win.

The form of striker Teeratep "Leesaw" Winothai, who has scored three goals in as many matches, including a brace against the Chinese, provides the hosts with more cause for optimism. However, Leesaw will find Bolton Wanderers' Ali Al Habsi, in goal for the visitors, a difficult proposition to get past.

Having held a good personal record against teams from Oman at club and international level, coach Chanvit Pholchivin is tempting fate by believing the game will end positively for his men.

He, though, stressed that his side could take nothing for granted against a side under the helm of new Uruguayan coach Julio Cesar Ribas.

"Facing Oman is different from facing Asean nations like Vietnam or Singapore, when we could make mistakes and still win. We must play carefully against Oman as we can ill-afford any error.

"Even though we need three points, we cannot attack recklessly. Our attackers must be clinical when the chances come their way. I'm convinced we're good enough to win," Chanvit said.

Chanvit has a full-strength squad at his disposal, with key players Datsakorn Thonglao and Manchester City's Suree Sukha available after serving a one-game suspension.

Tickets priced at Bt100, Bt200 and Bt500 will be available at Rajamangala National Stadium from 2.30pm.  Channel 7 will televise the match live from 6.30pm.

By Kitinan Sanguansak

Daily Xpress