Thailand is optimistic about its chances of progressing past the group stage in the men’s football category at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, despite being in a challenging group.
The Young War Elephants are in Group E with Kuwait, Bahrain, and the two-time defending champion South Korea.
Today’s campaign opener is against Bahrain, while the other Group E match pits South Korea versus Kuwait.
The four best third-place teams, together with the six group winners and runners-up, advance to the round of the last-16.
Thailand’s recent AFC U23 Asian Cup qualification performances, when they finished first in their group, have given them more confidence.
Issara Sritaro, the coach of Thailand, stated on Monday that he is expecting his side will earn three points from three games, which might be sufficient for a spot in the second round.
Issara stated, “I already know my starting lineup.
He claimed that since Asean countries typically do not defend against Thailand, playing against teams at the Asian level is probably better than doing so against Asean teams.
Bahrain move quickly. They do not play defensively and prefer to attack. We may have opportunities for counterattacks as a result,” Issara added.
“We’ll work hard to achieve a successful outcome.”
The Asian Games’ men’s football competition is open to athletes under the age of 23.
Thailand has a 2-1 advantage in the three meetings between the two nations’ U23 teams. Bahrain, however, defeated Thailand 2-0 in their most recent meeting in an exhibition game in August.
The Thai men have placed fourth four times in 1990, 1998, 2002, and 2014, and are aiming for their first-ever Asian Games medal.
According to South Korea’s football association (KFA), French club Paris St-Germain has agreed to allow midfielder Lee Kang-In to participate in the Asian Games with the team during the group stage.
After PSG’s Tuesday home Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, the KFA said Lee will be freed.
Teams are not required to release players for the Asian Games because the competition takes place outside of Fifa’s official window.
Officially, the Games, which were moved from 2022 to September 23 to October 8, are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In its effort to win a third consecutive gold medal, South Korea will face Kuwait in their opening match on Tuesday. On Thursday, they will play Thailand, and three days later, Bahrain.
PSG welcomed Lee, 22, in July. He is anticipated to be available for the third group game for the Koreans.Thailand Post/Reuters
