Following Thursday night's thrilling comeback victory over Taiwan, national football team coach Kiatisak Senamuang is hoping the Taiwanese can take at least a point from their upcoming game against Iraq, which would ensure Thailand's qualification for the final World Cup qualifying round with one game to spare.
The Thai side, frontrunners in Group F, rallied from a goal down to beat bottom side Taiwan 4-2 at a soldout Rajamangala National Stadium, a crucial win that put them on the brink of qualification for the last-12 round for only the second time.
Kiatisak's side were indebted to striker Teerasil Dangda and substitute Thana Chanabut, who scored a goal apiece and set up another to help the hosts tame gritty visitors who had lost all of their three games before Thursday's fixture.
The result extended the Thais' lead at the top over second-placed Iraq to eight points from five matches, though 2007 Asian champions and group favourites Thailand have played two games fewer. To pip Thailand to the top spot and automatic qualification, Iraq need to win all their three remaining matches including a clash against the Thais in the final group game on March 24.
Iraq's hopes, though, could be dashed as early as Tuesday when they visit Taiwan, if the latter reproduce the kind of form they showed in giving the Thais a fright.