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Published on January 23, 2008

The Thai team is in the second week of their training stint in England. Chanvit's troops will kick off their campaign in Group B, which also includes Oman and Bahrain, with a daunting trip to Japan on February 6.

Under the supervision of Manchester City's coaching staff, the Thai players have been put through sessions focusing on tactics for the Japan fixture. They mainly worked on ways to shut down the flanks, through which the Japanese attack is expected to be centred.

"The game against United's reserve team would be a big test  as we possibly could face some of their first-team members.

"That would be useful for us as it's a precursor to what we could face against Japan. Our defence would be put to the test, while, at the same time I would like to see how effective our counter-attack is," Chanvit said.

Chanvit is convinced that with the preparation the Thai team has undergone his men could spring a surprise in Japan.

"Our team has gradually improved, physically and mentally. They've acclimatised to the cold conditions likely in Japan. We're definitely the underdogs but I think the game would be closer than expected.

"If we don't concede a goal in the opening half, all the pressure would be on the Japanese and our opportunity might come," Chanvit said.

The Nation