Sports / Soccer |
Li Tie gets international lifeline against Thailand(Agencies)Updated: 2007-05-15 14:20 BANGKOK - Sheffield United midfielder Li Tie has been handed a fresh international chance by China as they warm-up for the Asian Cup finals with a tough friendly against an attack-minded Thailand on Wednesday. Embattled coach Zhu Guanghu named Li in his squad for the Bangkok match as the former Everton playmaker battles back from a raft of injury problems. Captain Zheng Zhi, who is heading home after a successful loan spell with relegated Charlton Athletic, is not part of the team. Neither is Manchester United striker Dong Fangzhou or Manchester City's Sun Jihai. Zhu, who has faced mounting calls to quit after a series of disappointing performances by his side, has called up Shandong Luneng defender Jiao Zhe while Zhang Shuai makes a comeback after a period on the sidelines. Thailand have named veteran midfielder Therdsak Chaiman in their squad after the Singapore-based player missed their last few games citing fatigue. Head coach Chanvit Phalajivin said he would order his team to go on the offensive to break China. "We will go on the attack and see how it works out," he told reporters. "Thailand will be aggresive to test our potential and to improve our game and tactics. "We have only had three days together so I'm not too worried about the result. I just want to see what are our strengths and weaknesses." Thailand co-host the Asian Cup finals from July 7-29 and have been drawn in Group A alongside favourites Australia, Iraq and Oman. China are in Group C with Iran, Uzbekistan and Malaysia. |
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