Alkass Digital
Saudi Arabia will not take Thailand lightly when the two sides face off in Group C of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™, with both teams seeking to continue their winning momentum.
Saad Al Shehri’s side beat Tajikistan 4-2 in their opening match on Tuesday but will be wary of the threat that Thailand pose after the Southeast Asian side began strongly by defeating Iraq 2-0.
After seeing his charges concede two avoidable goals to Tajikistan, Al Shehri will be looking to shore up his team’s defence as Saudi Arabia look to take a firm control of the group with Paris Olympics 2024 qualification on the line.
“Yes, we saw how Thailand beat Iraq but we also knew from the beginning that all of the games would be difficult,” said Al Shehri.
“It’s clear that all teams are progressing. We have been following the Thai team and know how they have developed.
“We will show them the right respect but we will be looking for another win and three points to add to our tally.”
The win over Iraq has raised expectations of a prolonged run but Thailand head coach Ithsara Sritharo is only looking to continue in the same vein and ensure that his players adhere to the game plan.
Goals from Waris Choolthong and Teerasak Poeiphimai earned Thailand the unexpected win over the more-fancied Iraqis, and Ithsara will look to harness that confidence against the defending champions.
“Our confidence is boosted by the performance in the first game, a game where we worked hard to get the result that we wanted,” said Ithsara.
“For Saudi Arabia, we have our plan just like how we managed to come out with a plan for Iraq, their game against Tajikistan will also be considered for how we devise our plan.”
Thailand v Saudi Arabia
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium (Doha)
Kick-off: Friday, 18:30 (UTC+3)