Thailand coach Winfried Schafer is rallying his players ahead of the crucial world cup qualifier against Oman.
Schafer’s men are bottom of table but a win in Muscat could see them progress to the fourth and final round of 2014 World Cup qualifying in Asia.
But Saudi Arabia must slip up against Australia in Melbourne on February 29 for that to happen.
Despite a 3-0 win against the Omanis in the first meeting in Bangkok, the German boss reminded his player to keep vigilant.
“Obviously it is a crucial game for both teams and for us it is a must-win but it is also a great chance,” he told Fifa.com.
“We should enter the match with our best shape and play with a big heart.”
“Oman are a good team, they have proven themselves by beating Australia,” Schafer said.
However, the 62-year-old has several problems in his preparations for the clash, from the players’ injuries to the lack of fitness.
“Injuries cost us dearly during the campaign, we missed as many as five key players, who are the nucleus of our team so we couldn’t field a full-strength side,” he said.
The most worrying injury is to Muangthong United striker Teerasil Dangda, who has been nursing a nagging groin problem.
“We will try to get him back to form soon through a special training. We have no other option but to play at our top form to win.”
Thailand’s recent form is far from satisfactory. In January’s King’s Cup they lost all three games against Denmark League XI, Norway and South Korea Under-23 team.
