Socceroos coach Holger Osieck says his squad will be ready if Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Thailand is moved because of the flood crisis in Bangkok.
Osieck said team manager Gary Moretti remained in daily contact with the Asian Football Confederation over the situation, which threatens the November 15 match at Rajamangala Stadium.
Thailand is in the midst of its worst flooding in decades, with around 380 lives lost, but reports say it is the outlying districts which have been most affected in the capital.
“So far, we haven’t got any news about cancellation or that we have to look for a different venue,” Osieck said.
“I don’t know how things will develop over the next couple of days.
“We have to be ready that there may be a change of venue but, right now, it’s according to the normal set-up.”
The Australian players assemble in Dubai next week to train before flying to Muscat on November 10, the day before their qualifier in Oman.
They travel to Bangkok on November 12 ahead of the clash with the Thais.
“We’re all good swimmers,” Osieck joked.
“I don’t think about that – our focus is on Oman first.
“I think it wouldn’t affect us as long as the pitch is not waterlogged and we (don’t) have to play water polo there.”
Osieck’s more pressing concern for the group D table-topping Australians is the desperate Oman side, who are yet to notch a win in qualifying.
The Socceroos won 3-0 in Sydney, but the coach says they need to maintain their focus.
“The only thing is that we have to really keep up our concentration,” Osieck said.
“We can’t sit back and feel comfortable or we’re going to pay for that.
“They are in a hundred per cent do or die situation.”
Karyn
Guest
Looking forward to seeing our socceroos next week. Crossing our fingers the flooding won't beat them to the stadium! Johnno (previous comment) - they will be fine - we live in Bangkok and day to day life in non flooded areas continues pretty much as normal. The team will be very well looked after at their hotel. We are all eating and drinking fine and going to school and work.
Johnno
Guest
It should eb moved for multiple reasons. Also with health warnings, floods bring a lot of water based diseases, i can't see any of th beige euroo clubs letting there players go to a place just after flood damage like in bangock because of all th eater based diseases that can happen.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
Rajamangala Stadium is currently being used to house flood refugees. There are a couple of thousand people living there at the moment. My guess is the game will be moved to Chiang Mai which has a suitable stadium as Chonburi Stadium is also housing flood refugees.