Riyadh: Saudi Arabia kick off their attempt to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup finals since 2006 when they host Kiatisuk Senamuang’s Thailand side at the King Fahd International Stadium.
Potential Line-ups
Match Details
Date: 1 September 2016 (Thursday)
Kickoff time: 8:30pm KST, 6:30pm GMT
Venue: King Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh
Referee: Fu Ming (China)
Coach Quotes
Bert van Marwijk, Saudi Arabia
“Thailand are a strong team and they have developed a lot recently. They have finished their group in the previous round on top and this means that they have a coherent team who have proven that they are a good side.
“The match will be very difficult for us because we it is the opening match in the group and we are playing against an enthusiastic side who will be hoping to have a historic result. However, we have prepared well and hopefully we can get a good win at home and in front of our fans.”
Kiatisuk Senamuang, Thailand
“The match against Saudi Arabia will be very difficult for us as we are playing a strong team and they are one of the best teams in the continent. They also have great experience in playing in such matches which will make it a tough encounter.
“We want to have a positive result although it will not be easy because we are expecting to play against a big crowd. However, I’m confident that the players will be able to give their best and get a positive result.”
Head To Head Record
2/11/11 Saudi Arabia 3 – 0 Thailand
11/10/11 Thailand 0 – 0 Saudi Arabia
05/02/09 Saudi Arabia 2 – 1 Thailand
08/11/08 Saudi Arabia 1 – 0 Thailand
22/10/01 Saudi Arabia 4 – 1 Thailand
Form
Saudi Arabia DWWDW
Thailand DLDWL
Ones To Watch
Mohammad Al Sahlawi, Saudi Arabia
Sharpshooter Mohammad Al Sahlawi will probably admit that he’s had a disappointing year so far considering his usual high standards. The striker was the standout goal-getter in the second round of FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC), notching an incredible 14 goals in eight games but the strikes have dried up somewhat in 2016. However, the next round offers a chance for redemption. If he can regain his form once again, the Saudis will have a deadly presence up front.
Chanathip Songkrasin, Thailand
Thai football fans have christened their young star ‘Messi Jay’, a nod to the impact the diminutive playmaker has had since breaking into the national team as a 19-year-old. With dazzling quick feet and an eye for goal, Chanathip Songkrasin has won individual honours in both the Thai Premier League and the AFF Championship. While the midfielder has been regularly linked with a move abroad, he recently completed a transfer from BEC Tero Sasana to Thai heavyweights Muangthong United.
Source: the-afc.com