Thai coach remains optimistic, despite Asian Cup exit

BANGKOK, July 17 (Reuters) A day after co-hosts Thailand were thrashed 4-0 by Australia and sent tumbling out of the Asian Cup, coach Charnwit Polcheewin remains upbeat over the futre of the national team.

''Before this tournament, no one rated us. We were the weakest team in the group, but we showed we can challenge teams like Australia,'' Charnwit told Reuters today.

''I'm very very proud of my players. They were asked to play at a higher level in this tournament and they did that very well.

''I'm disappointed about the Australia scoreline because 4-0 makes it look like we couldn't compete with them.'' ''Anyone who watched knows that score flattered them, we had so much possession, so many chances, easy chances, we just couldn't score,'' added the 52-year-old, who juggles national team duties with his day job as a Tourism and Sport Ministry official.

Thailand got off to an impressive start in the tournament, securing a 1-1 draw with Iraq in their Group A opener before beating Oman 2-0 to record a first Asian Cup finals victory in 35 years of trying.

But with the Thais requiring only a point to progress and the struggling Socceroos needing victory, the goals flooded in and the Kingdom's hopes of a first appearance in the knockout stages were cruelly dashed.

Charnwit said his team's skill and fitness surprised their opponents, but his misfiring front line needed urgent attention.

''Without goals, we cannot win,'' said Charnwit, who became the Kingdom's fifth national team coach in 16 months when he took over from German Siegfried ''Siggi'' Held in March 2005.

''Our strikers are talented, skilful, but they are nervous in front of goal and can't keep their cool when it counts.'' He said the Thais, who have been a dominant force in Southeast Asian soccer for decades, could have a bigger impact outside the region if money was made available.

''We barely spend any money on Thai football,'' he said.

''We need money to take on the big teams in Asia, build a proper league and prove ourselves.

''I believe we will climb higher and qualifying for the World Cup is something we are capable of one day.'' REUTERS TB BD1824