>>On the eve of their 2019 AFC Asian Cup curtain-raiser with India, the War Elephants struck a confident tone, making their intentions clear that they want a win for starters.
Thailand are scheduled to face India in their first Group A game at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi today at 8.30pm (Thai time).
The other two sides in the group, hosts the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, met in the tournament opener late last night.
Skipper Teerasil Dangda said yesterday that the War Elephants, who are targeting second place in the group ahead of Bahrain and India by getting victories against both sides, were aware of the enormity of the task.
"Our target for this year's Asian Cup is pretty clear. The coach, players, team officials and even Thai football fans, all want us to go past the first round," said Teerasil.
Thailand are scheduled to play their second group match against Bahrain on Thursday before facing the hosts on Jan 14.
Much would hinge on Thailand getting a good result against India in today's game as even a draw with Bahrain would then give Milovan Rajevac's men a shot at qualifying as one of the four best third-placed teams from the group stage.
The top two teams in each of six groups and four best third-placed teams will advance to the last-16 stage.
Teerasil added: "In this Asian Cup, we are in a quite tough group and must focus on every match, especially the first game which is always difficult.
"We must not underestimate India at all. We must be ready both physically and tactically for every match.
"I do believe that Thailand have enough potential to qualify for the next round."
Playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin, who like Teerasil missed Thailand's failed bid to complete a hat-trick of Suzuki Cup titles last month, is also convinced that the War Elephants would pick up three points from their opening game.
The Consadole Sapporo midfielder, who was recently named among the best 11 J1 League players last season, said: "I don't know how the Indian team play at all.
"This is our first game and it will be a difficult game for sure but we will try to help each other on the pitch.
"I think we can do it [beat India] because every player has improved a lot. We have to get three points from this game."
Meanwhile, India defender Sandesh Jhingan, in an interview with the country's football governing body, claimed that the Blue Tigers can "grind out" the results they need to progress to the Asian Cup second round.
"It's going to be tough, but not impossible. We have to stick to our plan and perform as the coach wants us to. We have to keep showing the unity which has made us stand out. If we do that, we can grind out the results we need," Jhingan said.
He added: "The UAE are the host team and I feel they will be tough to face. But I believe that the onus is all on us.
"If any team is over-confident or not at the top of its game, they can be beaten.
"If you are prepared as a team, and focused on the job at hand, you can make the game tough for the opponents."
