Coach: Chatchai Paholpat
 
Thailand qualified for their fourth straight Asian Cup appearance thanks to an escape act that defied belief.
 
They arrived back in Bangkok from the opening round matches in Group A qualifying in Tashkent without a point, having lost to Tajikistan (1-0), Hong Kong (2-1) and Uzbekistan (3-0). Things looked bleak for the team and coach Carlos Roberto de Carvalho, who had just taken over the reins from England's Peter Withe. But the team improved markedly on home soil and three victories on the bounce saw them qualify in second spot behind Uzbekistan.
 
The key moment was midfielder Therdsak Chaiman's 83rd-minute penalty winner against Tajikistan which lifted Thailand onto six points after an earlier 4-0 win over Hong Kong. Thailand had 95 per cent of the possession and pressure in the game but could not find the net until Therdsak stroked home the spot-kick.
 
The win gave Thailand the momentum they needed going into the final game against Uzbekistan, who had already qualified, and they swept to an impressive 4-1 win. Young striker Sarayoot Chaikamdee came on as a replacement in all three home games and his three goals marked him down as a player to watch.
 
 
ATTACK
After his scoring success in Asian Cup qualifying, Sarayoot starred for Thailand in their win at the 2003 SEA Games where he was dubbed 'Joe Five Yards' for his ability as a goal poacher.
 
With veteran striker Kiatisuk 'Zico' Senamuang, who won three Tiger Cup titles with Thailand, returning to the national fold after missing the Asian Cup qualifying matches, he was paired up front with Sarayoot. The partnership clicked against Yemen in World Cup qualifying, with both players finding the net, and they are likely to play together in China despite neither of them posing an aerial threat.
 
Therdsak Chaiman and Datsakorn Chaiman, who were influential in leading club side BEC Tero Sasana to the final of the 2003 AFC Champions League, are the creative forces in midfield. Though Therdsak has been suffering from a long-term injury since moving to club football in Vietnam, the MVP of the 2002 Tiger Cup is expected to be fit to face Japan, Iran and Oman. A great striker of a dead ball with either foot, Therdsak is key to Thailand''s chances.
 
 
DEFENCE
Thailand's morale-sapping 4-1 loss to DPR Korea in World Cup qualifying has caused a major re-think about the defence. The Thais played with two wing backs, Nirut Surasiang and Dusit Chalermsan, in that match and centre backs Choketawee Promrut and Rungroj Sawangsri were left exposed to quick counter attacks.
 
Dependable full back Preratat Phoruandee is likely to be recalled to the starting line up along with central defender Niweat Siriwong, who missed the disaster against DPR Korea through suspension. The strong-tackling Preratat rarely strays beyond half-way and his presence along with Niweat will have a stabilising effect on a back line that was rattled by the fast-breaking Koreans.
 
Goalkeeper Kosin Hathairatanakul, a good shot-stopper, could not be faulted for any of the goals scored by the Koreans and should keep the number one jersey ahead of Kittisak Rawangpa who was the man in possession under Peter Withe.
 
 
FIRST ROUND PROSPECTS
Despite the upheavals ahead of the Asian Cup, with coach Carlos Roberto de Carvalho and manager Thavatchai Sajakul both quitting, Thailand will not be overawed by facing defending champions Japan, three-time winners Iran and high-flying Oman. But there is no disguising the fact that they will find it tough going, especially after the damaging defeat at the hands of DPR Korea in World Cup qualifying which led to the management shake-up.

There is little recent form to go on although Thailand drew 1-1 with Iran in the 2000 finals and held them goalless in a home tie in 2002 World Cup final Asian qualifying before losing 1-0 in Tehran.
 
A lot depends on the morale of the squad and the performances of key players such as dynamic midfielder Therdsak, youthful playmaker Datsakorn Thonglao and the iconic Kiatisuk. If the trio rise to the occasion, which they have done in the past, Thailand could chalk up results against Iran and Oman and possibly sneak into the quarter-finals.

Goalkeepers
1 Kittisak Rawangpa
18 Kosin Hathairatanakul
22 Punuwat Tangunurat
Defenders
2 Thanongsak Pajakkta
3 Niweat Siriwong
4 Preratat Phoruandee
5 Rungroj Sawangsri
6 Choktawee Promrut
7 Narongchai Vachiraban
12 Nirut Surasiang
15 Phaitoon Thiabma
17 Dusit Chalermsan
24 Jetsada Jitsawad
25 Teda Keelalay
26 Worachai Surinsirirat
28 Nataporn Panrit
30 Supachai Komsilp
Midfielders
8 Therdsak Chaiman
9 Manit Noyvach
10 Tawan Sripan
11 Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul
16 Sakda Joemdee
21 Issawa Singtong
27 Phichitpong Choeichiu
Forwards
13 Kiatisuk Senamuang
14 Sarayoot Chaikamdee
19 Datsakorn Thonglao
23 Sutee Suksomkit
29 Rangsan Vivatchaichok