The Thailand men’s national football team, riding a tide of confidence, left for Taipei Saturday night to play the return leg of an AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Taiwan on Tuesday.
The Group D clash will take place at Taipei Municipal Stadium and will be Thailand’s fourth match of the campaign.
The squad underwent training stints under the guidance of head coach Masatada Ishii on Friday evening and Saturday morning. Two recently called-up players, Santiparb Channgom and Songwut Kraikruan, joined the squad in both sessions.
Defender Natthapong Sairiya, reflecting on the team’s progress and the challenges ahead, told media on Friday evening: “The last game we performed well. Every match is important, and we want to win all of them from now on.
“I have to thank all my teammates for working together in both attack and defence. Our target for the next game remains the same — we want to win.”
“I’ve played in Thai League for many years, so joining the national team doesn’t make me nervous. Most of us have already faced each other in the league, which makes communication easier. The atmosphere in the squad has been excellent even before the last match. We are united and always encouraging one another.”
“I think Taiwan are a counter-attacking team. Playing away will not be easy, but we are determined to take three points. That means we must attack them, but at the same time be careful of their counterattacks.”
‘It’ll be more difficult’
Right-back Nicholas Mickelson, who plays for SV Elversberg in Germany, said: “The last game was a good experience and we were happy to get three points, but it was not easy.
“On the right flank I’ve played before, and in the national team we rotate positions quite often. If I get the chance to push forward, I don’t see any problem.
“Playing away in Taipei will definitely be more difficult than at home. They will surely prepare something new for us. It could be tougher if we play without a target striker, which might mean we rely more on short passes rather than crosses.
The match between Thailand and Taiwan on Tuesday will kick off at 5.30pm (Thai time) and will be broadcast live on Thairath TV Channel (32), BG SPORTS YouTube channel and TrueVisions Now.