Courtesy: Bangkok Post


Thailand face tough task at Fifa Futsal World Cup

Hosts confident of advancing against Ukraine, Paraguay and Costa Rica

25/08/2012

Hosts Thailand are confident that they will reach the knockout round of the Fifa Futsal World Cup for the first time when the 2012 tournament is held on their home soil in November.

Thailand will face Costa Rica, Ukraine and Paraguay in Group A following yesterday's draw at a Bangkok hotel.

Holders Brazil are in Group C along with Japan, Libya and Portugal, while Spain, who are considered the top challengers, will take on Iran, Panama and Morocco in Group B.

The top two teams of each of the six groups plus four best third-placed teams advance to the knockout stage of the 24-team tournament.

Yesterday's draw was carried out by Jaime Yarza, Fifa senior manager of futsal and beach soccer competitions.

Helping him were boxer Somluck Kamsing, who won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, former football international Kiatisak 'Zico' Senamuang, as well as Natpimol Natthayalack and Warudthaya Wongchayapon who finished first and third respectively at the Miss Universe Thailand 2012 competition.

The tournament will be held in Bangkok and Nokhon Ratchasima from Nov 1-18.

After the draw, Thailand coach Victor Hermans expressed his confidence in his side's ability to reach the knockout stage.

"Of course I'm confident," he said. "When you look at Ukraine, Paraguay and Costa Rica, the first reaction is, 'That's tough'. But we have a good young team and we beat Iran at the AFC Championship in Dubai.

"Based on our performances there, I'm 100% confident that we can progress to the second round."

Thailand manager Teerachai Wuthithum said: "We are in a tough group. Ukraine, Paraguay and Costa Rica are strong teams.

"But we are confident that we can qualify for the next round. Our players are looking forward to the tournament."

Thailand have played in three finals but have not yet got past the first round.

Champions Brazil will face experienced opponents from three different continents - Japan, Libya and Portugal.

Spain, who on paper are the team most likely to dent the South American title-holders' chances of retaining the crown, find themselves in Group B alongside Iran, Panama and Morocco.

Group D looks to be the most balanced of the six, with Argentina, Mexico, Italy and Australia all having the potential to make it through to the next round.


DRAW

Group A: Thailand, Costa Rica, Ukraine, Paraguay
Group B: Spain, Iran, Panama, Morocco
Group C: Brazil, Japan, Libya, Portugal
Group D: Argentina, Mexico, Italy, Australia
Group E: Egypt, Serbia, Czech Republic, Kuwait
Group F: Russia, Solomon Islands, Guatemala, Colombia




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