AFC Asian Cup
Having lost to Turkmenistan in June, the pressure was high on Ishii and Thailand but second half goals from Seksan Ratree and Chanathip Songkrasin secured victory against Chinese Taipei, with the Japanese tactician pleased with the fighting spirit of his players.
"I admire the players who fought throughout the 90 minutes, constantly trying to intercept the ball in the opponents’ half,” said head coach Ishii.
“What we need to work on is how to score more goals against the same opponents (in the reverse fixture on Tuesday).”
“What we need to work on is how to score more goals against the same opponents (in the reverse fixture on Tuesday).”
"I will consider making changes to the lineup because of injuries to Jonathan (Khemdee), Apisit (Soraya) and Jaroensak (Wonggorn), but the important thing is getting three points today."
The win took Thailand to six points, level with Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka after the South Asian side put in a tremendous shift to stun the Central Asian team in the other game.
The win took Thailand to six points, level with Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka after the South Asian side put in a tremendous shift to stun the Central Asian team in the other game.
The battling 1-0 win against Turkmenistan raised hopes of a first Sri Lanka appearance at the continental showpiece with Leon Perera netting the winner but it was captain Jason Thayaparan who stole the show.
Thayaparan twice showed immaculate reading of the game, heading the ball away on the goalline to deny Guychmyrat Annagulyyev and Elman Tagayev but the defender refused to take sole credit for the success.
“The credit goes to every single player, it doesn’t matter if he played 90 minutes or one minute or even just being on the bench,” said Thayaparan.
Thayaparan twice showed immaculate reading of the game, heading the ball away on the goalline to deny Guychmyrat Annagulyyev and Elman Tagayev but the defender refused to take sole credit for the success.
“The credit goes to every single player, it doesn’t matter if he played 90 minutes or one minute or even just being on the bench,” said Thayaparan.
“To the staff and everyone behind the team - we worked so hard and we stuck together like one family and we saw it in the game today. We hit the post in the first half and it gave us confidence that we could win and keep a clean sheet.
“We are equal on points at the top of the group now - which was not something people thought possible after the draw - but we are showing that we can do it.”
Sri Lanka will look to do the double when they travel to Arkadag for Tuesday’s reverse fixture.
“We are equal on points at the top of the group now - which was not something people thought possible after the draw - but we are showing that we can do it.”
Sri Lanka will look to do the double when they travel to Arkadag for Tuesday’s reverse fixture.
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