Chiaravanont claims the future is bright for Thailand

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  • Goal hero: Tana Chanabut (r).

    Kachorn Chiaravanont was hugely encouraged by the performance of a young Thailand team in their 3-1 2018 World Cup qualifying defeat to the UAE and believes the future is bright for the nation.

    The Whites got the win they craved but were thoroughly outplayed by the War Elephants in the second half, Ahmed Khalil netting in stoppage time to seal a priceless three points ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Saudi Arabia.

    Thai team manager Chiaravanont took plenty of positives from defeat in Abu Dhabi.

    “We believe the future is really bright,” said the former Bangkok United president. “Our player average age is 24, they are young. It is a good experience for them trying to qualify for a World Cup. It will give us good experience for qualifying next time.

    “We still have a chance but those are slim. We hope to get three points against Iraq. Next time we try to qualify we believe will be a perfect age for the Thai team. Our next goal is to bring up the young players. We believe they have a good chance next time the World Cup qualifiers come round.”

    Thailand believed Al Jazira striker Ali Mabkhout was offside when he netted the opener in the first half. He grabbed a second just after the break before Thailand – backed by a raucous visiting sea of blue supporters – took charge.

    Chiaravanont added: “The second half we played really well, the first half not so (much). We believe the first goal is offside but the decision has been made. In the second half we were the best team.”

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