Theerathon: 'Thailand is the strongest it has been in years'

Defender Theerathon Bunmathan believes that Thai players playing abroad will help the team defeat China in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

"We are playing at home, so we want to get three points against China," Theerathon said on November 13. "The Thai team is the strongest in many years, with players playing abroad such as Supachok Sarachat, Ekanit Panya and Suphanat Mueanta. Not to mention Chanathip Songkrasin and Teerasil Dangda who have also played abroad for many years. So we will do well against China."

Theerathon (sitting) during Thailand's training session in Bangkok on November 13, 2023. Photo: FAT — Theerathon (sitting) during Thailand's training session in Bangkok on November 13, 2023. Photo: *FAT*

Thailand are in Group C, the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia, along with South Korea, China and Singapore. Mano Polking's team will play their first match against China at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, then visit Singapore five days later.

Center-back Kritsada Kaman is also confident that Thailand will defeat China in their opening match. He believes that this opponent is strong and well-balanced, but the home team will play hard because "of course Thailand wants three points".

According to FIFA rankings, China is ranked 79th in the world , 33 places above Thailand. According to Elo, the away team is only 19 places above the home team (90 compared to 109). The two teams have met 26 times, with Thailand winning six, drawing two and losing 18 matches. However, their head-to-head record in the last seven matches is equal, with each team winning three, drawing one and losing three.

Theerathon and Kritsada are both regulars for Thailand, playing as left-back and centre-back respectively. However, both players can also play as central midfielders thanks to their passing and distribution skills. In addition to Chanathip and Teerasil, Thailand also have attacking midfielder Supachok who is in fine form with seven goals in 22 J-League games this season for Consadole Sapporo.

Hoang An

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