Thai women on cusp of first-ever World Cup berth
Thailand's women's football team face arguably their biggest game as they prepare to lock horns with hosts Vietnam in the AFC Women's Asian Cup today, with a ticket to next year's World Cup in Canada on offer.
The fifth-place play-off match is crucial because the number of places for Asian countries in the World Cup have increased from three to five after the tournament was expanded to 24 teams. And the fact that North Korea, one of the continent’s leading sides, were banned from the competition for doping, has given the Thais a good chance of making history by securing their first appearance in the World Cup.
After scoring a crucial 2-1 win over Myanmar in their final group match on Monday to clinch third place in Group B, the Thais are now only one match away from making it to Canada. Standing between them and World Cup berth are old foes Vietnam at Thong Nhat stadium in Ho Chi Minh.
Nualphan Lamsam, the team manager, said she would add Bt5 million to the Bt10 million incentive fund that the Thai FA has promised if the team wins.
“There’s now only one mission for us. That’s to win our place in the World Cup. It will be a tense game as we will be feeling pressure from events on and off the pitch. I expect the stadium to be filled to the rafters.
“But, we’re confident that we can make history by reaching the World Cup for the first time,” said Nualphan.
National coach Nuengruthai Srathongvian is optimistic over her side’s prospects as key player Naphat Seesraum was declared fit after she missed Monday’s game due to injury.
“The game against the hosts holds no fear for us. Naphat is now ready to play. I believe we will win, even though it’s a tough game,” she said.
