A rejuvenated Thailand mounted a strong comeback to reach the knockout stages of the AFC Asian Cup 2019. But now they will face one of the strongest teams in the tournament in China PR on Sunday.
Must be a tough game tonight.
Things were going downhill for Milovan Rajevac’s Thailand after a 4-1 defeat to India in their tournament opener. And the former Ghana coach has fired from his role not long after. And stand-in head coach Sirisak Yodyardthai seems to have gotten the War Elephants ticking again.
They defeated Bahrain and drew with hosts United Arab Emirates to reach the Round of 16 where they will face Marcello Lippi’s China. China went down to Korea Republic 2-0 in their previous game, but their qualification was already secured before the final group game and Thailand will have their work cut out against one of the favorites for the tournament.
But first, let’s take a look at how the two teams could line up at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain.
THAILAND (5-4-1)
Goalkeeper: Siwarak Tedsungnoen
Defenders: Theerathon Bunmathan, Pansa Hemviboon, Chalermpong Kerdkaew, Mika Chunuonsee, Tristan Do
Midfielders: Chanathip Songkrasin, Thitipan Puangchan, Tanaboon Kesarat, Adisak Kraisorn
Forward: Teerasil Dangda
CHINA PR (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Yan Junling
Defenders: Liu Yang, Shi Ke, Feng Xiaoting, Zhang Linpeng
Midfielders: Zhao Xuri, Zheng Zhi, Hao Junmin
Forwards: Gao Lin, Yu Dabao, Zhang Chengdong
LIVE STREAMING CHINA VS THAILAND 20.1.2019 HERE.
The group stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 is done and dusted and we’re all set for the commencement of the round of 16 of the continental showpiece.
The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed sides in the group stage of the competition have made it to the knockouts which start on the 20 9th of January and will be played until the 22nd of the month.
Thailand and China PR are set to face off in the second round of 16 matches of Asia’s biggest football tournament.
The Dragons won their first two matches of the Asian Cup to qualify for the knockouts before going down to Korea Republic in their last group stage match.
Thailand, on the other hand, started the tournament with a humiliating 4-1 loss against India but they bounced back brilliantly to get four points from the next two matches to earn a spot in the round of 16.
Follow all the LIVE action from the match here.