Thailand vows to make history at futsal World Cup

Historically, Thailand has reached the round of 16 of the Futsal World Cup three times, in 2012, 2016 and 2021. However, the team from the Land of the Golden Temple has never made it to the quarterfinals.

That is why Thailand is determined to do this at the 2024 Futsal World Cup finals in Uzbekistan.

Thái Lan tuyên bố sẽ tạo nên lịch sử tại World Cup futsal - 1 — Coach Miguel Rodrigo of the Thai futsal team (Photo: FAT).

Thailand's opponent in the round of 16 will be the French team, in the match taking place on the night of September 27. Before the match with the French team, coach Miguel Rodrigo (Spain) of the Thai futsal team said: "The match with France could be similar to the match with Croatia. Their players are tall and physically strong."

"However, the French team's style of play may be different from Croatia's. However, if we play against France like we did against Croatia in the group stage (Thailand won 2-1), the Thai futsal team will win," coach Miguel Rodrigo added.

Thailand's big advantage in the round of 16 match is that they have a week to prepare for the match against France. Thailand finished the group stage on September 20, and they won't play the round of 16 until September 27.

Thái Lan tuyên bố sẽ tạo nên lịch sử tại World Cup futsal - 2 — Thailand futsal team wants to make history at the futsal World Cup (Photo: FAT).

One week is more than enough time for the Golden Temple team to prepare physically, study their opponents, and prepare their attacking strategies.

Coach Miguel Rodrigo revealed: "Playing against the French team, each player must be at their best to overcome their opponents. However, each of us is determined to make history for Thai futsal."

"We are studying the French futsal team, collecting more information about them, to increase the chances of helping Thailand qualify for the next round," coach Miguel Rodrigo affirmed.

Sharing the same opinion with the Spanish coach, defender Itticha Praphaphan of the Thai futsal team said: "France is a strong team, playing against them will be as difficult as when we met Croatia in the group stage."

"First, the Thai team must defend well, then find counter-attack opportunities to score goals. I want to create history for Thai futsal with the whole team, but first we must focus on the upcoming match," Itticha Praphaphan added.