Courtesy: The Bangkok Post


Thailand confident

by Tor Chittinand

The AFC Futsal (five-a-side) Championship kicks off today at two venues, Nimibutr Gymnasium and Indoor Stadium, Hua Mark.

With 16 participating nations, the tournament is also the qualifying round for the Fifa World Championship in Brazil later this year.

Two teams from each of the four preliminary-round groups advance to the knock-out stages with the semi-finalists securing tickets to the World Championship. Action at both venues begins at noon.

Thailand, who are in Group A with Kyrgyzstan, Iraq and Indonesia, are confident that they will reach the semi-finals. They will open their campaign against Iraq at Nimibutr Gymnasium at 4.30pm today.

Thailand manager Adisak Benjasiriwan said the Thais beat Iraq 7-4 in the Asian Championship two years ago but should not underestimate them.

He said his men should defeat the Iraqis but the match could be tense and the score is likely to be close.

Tickets are available at all Star Soccer shops and at the venues.




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com