Struggling Thailand will have to find a way to match Asian champions Australia in Bangkok on Tuesday if they are to finally get points on the board in their AFC World Cup qualifying group.
The War Elephants have lost the first four matches of their Group B campaign. It is clear that a vast improvement on the shambolic 4-0 capitulation against Iraq in their most recent game is required if Kiatisuk Senamuang's men are going to take anything from the Socceroos.
But, as Thailand continues to mourn the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, there will be hope that the national team can rise to the occasion. Here are five things to look out for at the Rajamangala Stadium:
1. A Fast Start
In September's home match against Japan, Thailand got their game plan all wrong. Instead of taking the game to the visitors and unsettling them, they sat back and conceded possession. This was a dangerous ploy against superior opponents, and the Japanese duly took advantage. Only poor finishing and the heroics of Kawin Thamsatchanan in goal prevented a much heavier defeat than the 2-0 final score.
Kiatisuk must learn from this experience and ensure that his side do not go into the game with the same inferiority complex that prompted such a submissive performance against Japan.
Australian midfielder Tom Rogic told ESPN FC that the Socceroos intend to "take control from the start", so this should be ample warning. Another slow start could lead to another painful defeat, so the Thais must be ready to press from the first whistle.
2. Can Thailand toughen up in defence?
Before the games against the UAE and Iraq in October, Kiatisuk made much of the need for the players to be more focused, and to cut out the lapses in concentration that cost them goals against Saudi Arabia and Japan. Unfortunately, his advice seem to fall on deaf ears as the Thais' soft centre was ruthessly exposed when they conceded seven goals in two games.
As against Japan, Kawin stood between the side, and even more humiliating defeats in West Asia so the defence must start to communicate more effectively to take the pressure off their goalkeeper. Tristan Do must be more disciplined at right-back, and Tanaboon Kesarat and Koravit Namwiset will have to show much better awareness of each other's positions in the centre.
It would help to have a proper defensive midfielder shielding the back four, and the experience of Chonburi's Adul Lahso make him a good candidate for such a role.
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On paper, the Asian champions are clearly stronger, but Thailand must make them work for any goals that they score.
3. Size matters
Kiatisuk has expressed concern about how his side can cope with the height of the Australians, which could be particularly dangerous in set piece situations. This is not a new problem for the Thais as they generally face a similar height disadvantage when they face teams from outside Southeast Asia.
As such, Thailand must set up to minimise the problems, and avoid conceding needless free kicks in dangerous areas. Indeed, Australia forward Mathew Leckie told ESPN FC, "If they park the bus, and sit really deep, and we're finding it hard, there's always the opportunity from set pieces or crosses because we're probably, by far, the most physical team in the campaign."
Thailand could beef up their own options in attack by playing Siroch Chatthong. The Ubon UMT striker has an imposing physical presence that might pose challenges to the Australian back four.
With just one goal scored in four games, Kiatisuk must consider a change up front. His loyalty to Teerasil Dangda is strong, but the Muang Thong United man has failed to impress in his last three outings.
With no hope of a place at the 2018 World Cup, Thailand have little to lose, and it is time for Kiatisuk to make some brave selections to try and turn things around.
4. Rogic takes centre stage
With striker Tomi Juric and attacking midfielder Massimo Luongo both injured, and Tim Cahill rested, it is likely that Australia will look to Celtic's in-form playmaker Rogic to provide the creativity to break down the hosts. Rogic has a range of talents that can really hurt the Thais if he brings his best form to Bangkok.
The 23-year-old has featured for his club in the UEFA Champions League this season, and has scored eight goals in all competitions. As well as his goalscoring threat, Rogic can provide a killer pass and make surging forward runs that pull opponents out of position. If Thailand are to stop Australia, cutting off supply to Rogic will be key to their game plan.
Rogic insisted that there was no extra pressure on him to come up with the goods in the absence of his absent teammates when he spoke to ESPN FC. But Socceroos fans, who have seen him excel for his club domestically and in Europe this season, will surely be looking to him to provide some of the magic he is capable of.
5. Beware wounded Socceroos
Australia may be sitting second in Group B, but they were disappointed to drop four points in the games away to Saudi Arabia, and home to Japan.
When goals from Trent Sainsbury and Juric put the Socceroos 2-1 up in Jeddah, an excellent three points on the road looked to have been secured. But a late strike from Nassir al-Shamrani earned the Saudis a point. At home to Japan, a poor first-half performance saw the hosts fall behind before a Mile Jedinak penalty levelled matters.
There is a feeling that the Aussies should have taken at least four points from these two games, and they will be determined to ensure that no more points are dropped when they take on Group B's bottom side.
Given recent events, football is not the most important matter in Thailand at the moment. However, an entertaining spectacle, and a positive result at Rajamangala would give the whole country a lift. The Aussies are clear favourites for the victory, but the War Elephants didn't get this far without overcoming some significant challenges.