MANAMA, June 5 (Reuters) - Bahrain are not letting their Group 2 lead get to their heads and will approach Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Thailand with caution, according to their coach Milan Macala. Bahrain top the table after three wins from three matches but with Japan hot on their heels, the Czech will not let his team underestimate the winless Thais, who are playing for pride and could pose problems. “We are not even in a very good position yet, there’s still plenty of work to do,” Macala told the Gulf Daily News.
“We may have nine points from our first three games, but there are still three more to play.
“Our situation is still wide open and we cannot say that we are in the next round yet.”
Japan are second on six points, followed by Oman on three, with Thailand rooted to the bottom after three defeats.
“(Thailand) know they have little chance to qualify, so they will play without any pressure and teams can be dangerous like that,” Macala added.
“Their players will have nothing to lose, and we have to be very careful.”
Bahrain, who lost an inter-confederation playoff for a place at the 2006 World Cup finals, are expected to keep faith with the side that beat the Thais 3-2 in Bangkok on Monday, although defender Mohammed Hussain will miss the game through suspension.
Thailand have no realistic chance of reaching round four but coach Charnwit Polcheewin said his side would not give in.
“I know it’s finished for us, but we will continue to fight,” he said after Monday’s defeat. “There are still games to play.”
Reply With Quote