China’s national football team manager, Branko Ivankovic, has expressed strong confidence ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Thailand in Shenyang, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, on Thursday.
“We heard that all the tickets for tomorrow’s match are sold out, and there will be over 50,000 fans coming to the stadium to support us,” Ivankovic said at the pre-game press conference on Wednesday. “We want to win the match for them. That’s the only goal.”
With two games remaining in the second round of FIFA World Cup qualification for Asian teams, China ranks second in Group C with seven points, three points ahead of Thailand. A victory would secure China’s place in the final stage of Asian qualifiers.
“We need to score more goals to win, and therefore I have called up six forwards,” the Croatian coach explained. “Despite Wu Lei’s suspension and Zhang Yuning’s injury, we will organize the attacking tactics well.”
Ivankovic, aged 70, acknowledged Thailand’s strengths and emphasized the need for preparedness. “Thailand has qualities and their own style of play, and we will be well prepared,” he said.
Thailand’s head coach, Masatada Ishii, also expressed his team’s determination. “China’s naturalized players are all very good, and they can strengthen their attacking line. We will find our way to beat them,” Ishii remarked.
The match holds significant implications for both teams. A win for China would not only ensure advancement but also boost morale as they aim for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Manager Ivankovic vows China will beat Thailand in World Cup qualifier
cgtn.com
