Saudi Arabia vs Thailand
Asia – 2018 World Cup Qualifier
Date: Thursday; 2-September-2016
Kick-off: 18:30 GMT +7
Venue: King Fahd International Stadium (Riyadh).
Asia – 2018 World Cup Qualifier
Date: Thursday; 2-September-2016
Kick-off: 18:30 GMT +7
Venue: King Fahd International Stadium (Riyadh).
Saudi Arabia are in an attempt to replicate their glory days after
disappointments in major tournaments in the last 10 years. After making
four consecutive appearances at the World Cup final tournaments from
1994 to 2006, they failed to qualify in the last two attempts. The three
time Asia Cup winners haven’t got past the group stages of the
continental tournament in 2011 and 2015.
The Green Falcons have made a promising start under the tutelage of
Bert van Marwijk, who guided Netherlands to the 2010 World Cup Finals.
The second round of qualifiers were hardly any test as they finish top
of their group above UAE, Palestine, Malaysia and Timor-Leste. The real
test begins now, as they are grouped together with Australia, Japan and
Iraq in the third round.
Thailand surprised everyone by finishing top of their group above the
likes of Iraq, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei. They were also unbeaten in
their six matches with 4 wins and 2 draws. However, it remains to be
seen if they can replicate the same resistance against higher ranked
teams in the continent.
Saudi Arabia vs Thailand: Head-to-Head
Saudi Arabia are unbeaten in the last six meeting with Thailand with 5
wins and a draw. Also they were victorious in the last three home
meetings with Thailand with a goal aggregate of 9-1.
The latest meeting between these two sides was during the second
round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Saudi won the home leg 3-0
after they were held to a 0-0 draw in Thailand. Both teams failed to
advance to the next round after finishing third and fourth in the group.
Saudi Arabia vs Thailand: Prediction
Saudi have a strong head-to-head record against Thailand. But they
shouldn’t necessarily be considered as favourites here. The War
Elephants have earned surprise results against strong teams like Syria
and Jordan in their recent games. So this could lean towards either end
and is better not to bet on a full time result.
Thailand have scored in 11 of their last 13 games, while Saudi Arabia
have scored in 12 consecutive games. So both teams to score and over
2.5 goals are better bets for this match.
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.
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.
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.
