Sirisak Yodyardthai, the outgoing caretaker coach of Thailand national team, is not thinking about a win over South American giants Uruguay in the China Cup final, but is more worried about keeping tomorrow's tie close and exciting.
Sirisak guided the War Elephants to a 1-0 victory over hosts China on Thursday night in Nanning only to be told by the Football Association of Thailand the next day that he did not have the right qualifications to take over the team on a full-time basis.
Uruguay, spotted 108 places above world No.115 Thailand in the latest Fifa rankings, recorded an impressive 3-0 victory over Uzbekistan on Friday night to reach the final.
The final will kick off at 6.35pm tomorrow and will be live on Thai Rath TV (32). Earlier in the day, China will try to salvage some pride when they face Uzbekistan in the third-place play-off.
Sirisak realises that Uruguay are a "world-class team", but insists that his men have "nothing to be afraid of".
The 49-year-old Thailand coach was at the venue to see Uruguay relentlessly dominate Uzbekistan on Friday night. "Uruguay are a world-class team, and we would have to find a way to handle them to make the final look close and exciting," said Sirisak.
"Their players are mainly playing in the top European leagues.
"The only way we can fight them is through teamwork. Moreover, to play with a team like Uruguay, we would have to stay focused every minute of the match, especially in defence."
He added: "I can see that there is a great deal of excitement among the players, they are relishing the opportunity of facing such a world-class team.
"Whatever the result, it should be a great learning experience for the players.
"We are looking forward to the game and we hope to put on a good show.
"I also hope that we will be able to make the world realise that the Thai players can rub their shoulders with the best in the world."
Thailand's J-League based midfielder Thitiphan Puangchan said Uruguay, who are missing some of their key players including Barcelona star Luis Suarez, present "a great challenge" to the War Elephants.
"So far, I have only seen teams like Uruguay play on TV, but I am eager to know how big is the difference between two teams ranked No.7 and No.115 in the world," said Thitiphan.
"We are aware that we are facing a great challenge in the final, but we are ready to put in our best effort.
"The fact that we are playing two-time former World Cup winners is a big motivation in itself. I hope that we will be able to put on an impressive show."
Meanwhile, defender Pansa Hemviboon is hoping to get fit in time for the China Cup final.
Pansa, who picked up a knee injury during a recent Thai League 1 clash, missed the tournament opener against the home team.
"It still hurts a bit, especially when I break into a run or do a quick pivot, but it is getting better," said Pansa.
"It is sad that I had to miss the first match in which we beat China 1-0 on Thursday, but it was encouraging to see that we have so many talented players in the team who can step in for each other.
"I am working with the team doctor and hope to be in a good shape for the final with Uruguay.
"However, if I am not 100 percent fit before the start of the final, I am sure we have players who can replace me in the backline."
