Argentina's coach wants Vietnam to defeat Thailand

Coach Diego Giustozzi trusts his Vietnamese futsal players before facing the tough opponent, Thailand.

Speaking before the final group stage match against Thailand's futsal team, Coach Diego Giustozzi acknowledged that the opponent is very strong. However, his team feels confident and relaxed as they have already achieved the goal of advancing past the group stage of the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship.

The showdown between Vietnam’s futsal team and Thailand’s futsal team will determine the top spot in Group B. Before the game, Coach Diego Giustozzi expressed high regard for the Thai team. “This will definitely be a very challenging match. They have changed their coach and currently have a new coaching staff.

Thailand’s playing style is similar to many teams in their domestic league, characterized by high intensity and direct attacking moves. Previously, under Spanish coach Rodrigo Miguel, they played with more ball control, calmness, and horizontal passing. Thailand is one of Asia’s top futsal teams, as history and past head-to-head results have shown.”

Nonetheless, Diego Giustozzi places full trust in his players. “I have faith in the players. We have achieved our goal of advancing from the group, so the pressure is off. Our squad is quite young, with many players attending an AFC continental tournament for the first time.

Now, the entire team will enter the match with a more relaxed mindset, enjoy the game, and aim to win in order to top the group. Thailand will definitely prepare thoroughly to contain us, and we will prepare similarly to neutralize them.”

Coach Diego Giustozzi added: “My next goal is to lead the team to the semifinals. I understand this is difficult because the level among Asian teams is now quite balanced. We are a new collective, and our long-term aim is to qualify for the next World Cup. However, I believe the team is well balanced, especially in midfield, and can maintain focus throughout the 40 minutes. With that, we fully have the ability to compete with and defeat the strong teams in Asia.”