Bangkok: Thailand head coach Milovan Rajevac believes that the home fans can make the difference as his side prepare to face Singapore in a match they must win to secure top spot in Group B of the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup.

The War Elephants conceded a late equaliser in the Philippines in midweek to leave them needing at least a point to progress to the last four. But Rajevac insists he and his team can approach the match with confidence in front of the Rajamangala Stadium crowd.

“We are all calm, focused and concentrated,” said Rajevac. “We are playing the match at home, so the supporters will be our 12^thman. We are absolutely confident and we have faith that everything will go well for our team.” 

Rajevac came in for criticism after the draw in the Philippines, with some fans suggesting the team should adopt a more attacking approach. However, the Serbian insisted that the result must come first in such a vital match. 

“We always want to play attractive and attacking football but the result is always the most important thing,” said Rajevac.

Although Thailand’s goalkeepers have been responsible for conceding two very avoidable goals in the past two games, Rajevac backed them to recover.

“I really have full faith in all my players' ability and that also applies to the goalkeepers,” he said. “We have two goalkeepers who are experienced and of similar quality. Mistakes from goalkeepers can happen and it’s not a big deal in any team.” 

Singapore head coach Fandi Ahmad claimed his side had no fear after putting six past Timor Leste in midweek to leave them needing a win to progress, though a draw will be enough if Indonesia beat the Philippines in the other Group B fixture.

“This is the time for us to step up another level,” said Fandi. “We know Thailand is a big team, a strong team. They are all very good technical players but I think we will try to give them a good fight.”

Fandi believes the togetherness of the players will be key to achieving the result they need after the disappointment of failing to progress from the group stages in the last two competitions. 

“I think our teamwork and togetherness is very strong,” he said. “Nobody gave us a chance in this Group of Death because it was very difficult. Even some people at home didn’t believe that we would go far. But there’s always a chance when you play together as a team.”

Fandi admits that having several Singapore players in the Thai League has helped him prepare his squad to face the defending champions.

“It gives us some advantages because we have about five players here and we are very happy to get information from them.

“Technically, Thailand are the best. They have good speed and they can keep the momentum and rhythm. But our job is to destroy all the moves. We come here with no fear. Win, lose or draw, we will fight to the end.”