Kasem looks forward to Danish test

[SOCCER] Thailand's Pre-Olympic team manager Kasem Jariyawat expects a tough test when his side faces Denmark in a friendly match at the Royal Thai Army stadium today.

Kasem believes the game provides an ideal opportunity for him to assess whether his team is ready for the challenge against Turkmenistan next month in the preliminary qualifying rounds for the 2008 Olympics in China.

"I think this game will give us a fair idea about the composition of the team. We will field the players we think will be our starters," said Kasem.

"The game will be a final test before the squad is trimmed. We have only one injury concern. Centre-half Kiartprawut Saiwaew has a hip injury. I rate his chances at 50-50 as we have to wait for the decision of the doctors on whether he is capable of playing.

"From all my experience of working with different batches of players, I think this squad is the best and there is a possibility that they can make it through to the finals in Beijing.

"However, our priority now is to qualify for the second round. I think if we make it, we will face North Korea, Iraq and either Burma or India in the group stage. Personally, I'm convinced we can finish in the top two to book our place in the last 12-team qualifying round," said Kasem.

Asked whether the team would compete in the SEA Games, which will be held in Thailand later this year, he replied: "Sure, why not? They absolutely can play in the SEA Games if they can maintain their form. But, we have to put our emphasis on the Olympics as everyone knows it is a major event. If we could qualify for the finals, it would show that we have the potential to make it to the finals of the World Cup as well."

The game between Thailand and Denmark takes place at the Royal Thai Army stadium on Vibhavadi-Rangsit road. Tickets priced at Bt100 are available at the venue. Channel 11 will televise the match live from 6pm.

Thailand News
The Nation Thailand
Friday January 26, 2007