Cool Kiartisak makes a world of difference

Cool Kiartisak makes a world of difference.

Veteran striker Kiartisak "Zico" Senamuang could be the driving force behind Thailand's attempt to regain the title in the Asean Football Championship, the top-flight competition in the region, which kicks off today, said forward Sutee Suksomkit yesterday.

The campaign in the previous edition in Malaysia was miserable for the reigning champions, who under German coach Siegfried Held, were booted out of the biennial tournament from an easy group in the first round. Chanwit Pholchivin's side doesn't want history to repeat. In fact, they are determined to reclaim the title they last won in 2002.

The three-time champions have been placed in Group B along with Burma, Malaysia and the Philippines, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals. It would have been deja vu had East Timor also made it through the qualifying rounds.

Chanwit's men are full of confidence after the triumph in the recent King's Cup where ageing star Kiartisak announced his return to the international stage after two years with some vintage performances, scoring two goals en route to the title.

Sutee, who also played an important role in the King's Cup success, said Kiartisak's return had had a positive impact on the team as his experience had been sorely missed.

"There is no doubt that Kiartisak's return makes the team stronger. His massive experience has proved very useful for the team up front. Not only can he score, but he can also create goals for others. His play is compatible and the heart of the team," said Sutee, who proved his utility with some eye-catching performances despite operating in the unfamiliar role of a left winger in the King's Cup.

Thailand launch their campaign against Burma today in a game that Tawatchai Sajjakul, the team manager, believes defeat will be a most unlikely outcome.

"I think they'll be defensive and wait for their chances. Our staff coaches have already prepared a plan to deal with their strategy," he said.

"We are much better than them and there is no room for error. And we cannot expect nothing less than victory in this tournament because if we fail it will be a huge blow for us."

In the preliminary round of the event formerly known as the Tiger Cup, eight qualified teams have been divided into two groups of four. Thailand and Burma play at Suphachalasai Stadium after the game between Malaysia and the Philippines.

The Nation
Friday January 12, 2007