Thai Head Coach declares: ‘Facing Vietnam, we play for honor’

After officially securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Asian Futsal Championship, Thailand’s futsal head coach, Mr. Rakphol Sainetngam, made a notable statement about the upcoming match against Vietnam in the final group stage game.

The emphatic 6-1 victory over Kuwait not only ensured Thailand’s futsal team advanced from the group stage with a strong position but also indirectly opened the door early for Vietnam’s futsal team to reach the quarterfinals. This result made the last Group B match between the two Southeast Asian powerhouses, scheduled at 5 PM on January 31, a major focus for regional fans.

After the win against Kuwait, Coach Rakphol Sainetngam emphasized: “The next match against Vietnam is a battle for pride in Southeast Asia. We must give our all, rotate the squad so everyone gets a chance to play. Securing first or second place means we will face teams from other groups, all of whom are very strong. But I want to stress that we will dedicate ourselves fully for honor.”

This statement demonstrates the strong determination of Thailand’s futsal team, even after achieving their goal of progressing from the group stage. For the “War Elephants,” the encounter with Vietnam is not just tactical but also a test of resilience amid a turbulent year for Thai football.

On the continental stage, Thailand’s futsal team is still regarded as a powerhouse. They are the runners-up of the Asian futsal championship after losing to Iran in the 2024 final, and they rank 11th in the world futsal rankings, nine places above Vietnam’s futsal team.

However, Vietnam’s futsal team is also showing positive signs. In their latest match against Lebanon, the “Golden Star Warriors” displayed clear, well-organized play and growing confidence in controlling the game. Securing a quarterfinal spot early allows coach and players to approach the match against Thailand with a relaxed mindset and maximum determination.

Notably, in 2025, Thai football suffered several shocks at the regional level, especially losing key gold medals on home soil at SEA Games 33, including men’s futsal. Therefore, a victory over Vietnam in the Asian tournament is seen as an opportunity for the “War Elephants” to reassert their status and regain fans’ trust.