Thailand football coach Winifried Schaefer said his team has an opportunity to lift the spirits of the whole country when they play Australia in a World Cup qualifier match tonight Nov. 15 at National Stadium in Bangkok.
The game is a must-win if the Thai Elephants are to continue their campaign to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Thailand nearly pulled off an upset last time they faced the Socceroos in Brisbane in September, but gave up two late goals to lose 2-1. Video highlights of that game are embedded below.
Flooding throughout the country has killer over 500 people, displaced millions, and caused billions of dollars worth of damage. It’s also disrupted the Elephants training schedule, but the German Schaefer says his players have added motivation for the game. Flooding has canceled a warm-up match with Nepal and caused the Aussie match to be moved from Rajamangla Stadium – which is now housing refugees – to National Stadium.
“Many of my players have had water in their houses,” Schaefer told Fox Sports. “The local league has had games postponed for three weeks, and while I have been able to train them, match practice is more important. For some, the game against Saudi [Arabia] was their first in a month. But now, they have to play two games in five days with a long journey in between – it’s not good for my players.”
Thailand will be without star striker Teerasil Dangda and left back Theeraton Bunmathan, but will welcome the return to fitness of striker Teeratep Winothai. Australia will be without one of its best players Harry Kewell.
The game begins at 6pm at Supachalasai National Stadium at the National Stadium BTS. Those who can’t make it to the game can watch on NBT.
For an ABC Australia preview video of the match, click here.
