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Thailand coach Winfried Schafer focused on crucial Oman qualifier despite disappointing loss to Korea's Olympic team
The War Elephants are using the King's Cup as preparation for next month's vital World Cup qualifier against Oman but they haven't had an ideal start
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Jan 17, 2012 6:25:00 AM
By Ben Somerford
Thailand coach Winfried Schafer has refused to get too worried by Sunday's 3-1 King's Cup loss to South Korea's Under-23 team and says he's focused on next month's crucial qualifier against Oman.
With one game to play, the War Elephants remain in contention to qualify for the fourth and final round of 2014 World Cup qualifying through Asia.
Australia have clinched their progress in Group D with 12 points, but second place is up for grabs with Saudi Arabia (six points), Oman (five points) and Thailand (four points) all in the running.
Saudi Arabia face a difficult away trip to Australia in the final matchday on February 29, meaning a Thailand victory in Oman could see them progress.
However, Sunday's loss to the Korean Olympic team hints the side have plenty of work to do, although Schafer insisted the defeat was a result of a lack of fitness and due to resting key players such as Teerasil Dangda.
"The Koreans played with very quick movement and the fitness of our players was a big problem," Schafer told reporters after the defeat.
"However, our main target remains the World Cup qualification match with Oman on February 29."
He added: "It's really disappointing that we lost today. We could not use several players because they are at risk of burnout after a gruelling season. I also cannot afford to lose them to injuries since we have a World Cup qualifier next month."
The Thai Premier League, where most of the team ply their trade, is still in season while the domestic FA Cup was played last week.
The German boss added: "Before the match, I told the players that although South Korea had brought their Olympic team, we couldn't underestimate them at all. This is because they have been playing together for a long time and they are very fit."
Schafer insisted preparation for the Oman game was the key for his side, with Dangda not risked in a bid to be fit for the February 29 encounter while Surat Sukha is likely to be dropped for Wednesday's clash with Denmark for similar reasons.
With one game to play, the War Elephants remain in contention to qualify for the fourth and final round of 2014 World Cup qualifying through Asia.
Australia have clinched their progress in Group D with 12 points, but second place is up for grabs with Saudi Arabia (six points), Oman (five points) and Thailand (four points) all in the running.
Saudi Arabia face a difficult away trip to Australia in the final matchday on February 29, meaning a Thailand victory in Oman could see them progress.
However, Sunday's loss to the Korean Olympic team hints the side have plenty of work to do, although Schafer insisted the defeat was a result of a lack of fitness and due to resting key players such as Teerasil Dangda.
"The Koreans played with very quick movement and the fitness of our players was a big problem," Schafer told reporters after the defeat.
"However, our main target remains the World Cup qualification match with Oman on February 29."
He added: "It's really disappointing that we lost today. We could not use several players because they are at risk of burnout after a gruelling season. I also cannot afford to lose them to injuries since we have a World Cup qualifier next month."
The Thai Premier League, where most of the team ply their trade, is still in season while the domestic FA Cup was played last week.
The German boss added: "Before the match, I told the players that although South Korea had brought their Olympic team, we couldn't underestimate them at all. This is because they have been playing together for a long time and they are very fit."
Schafer insisted preparation for the Oman game was the key for his side, with Dangda not risked in a bid to be fit for the February 29 encounter while Surat Sukha is likely to be dropped for Wednesday's clash with Denmark for similar reasons.
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