Unbeaten Thai boys retain their title in style

With three wins from the Saturday’s games, the defending champion maintained their unbeaten record in the two-day tournament with a convincing win over Toyota City Training Centre team 6-0 before playing out a 0-0 draw against Vietnam in the last round-robin match.
Thailand finished with 23 points and were followed by Nagoya Grampus, who had nine points after two wins and two defeats.
The Thais were the clear favourites from the start as the 24 of the squad members were the creme de la creme of the country.

“We came into the tournament with only one goal, which was to defend the title. We eventually did that,” said coach Piyapong Pue-on.
“The boys were getting better after each match. I was concerned a bit before coming here that they would become nervous as they lacked experience but instead they handled the situation very well in terms of their physical condition,” said the Thai football legend, who led the country to the crown for the second consecutive year.

The talented Wetsaphoo Rotthes scored only one goal during the match against Toyota City yesterday but still finished the tournament as Thailand’s top scorer with four goals.
“I wish I had scored more. But I return to Thailand with more confidence about my game. I learned a few skills by observing the players from Japan and Vietnam,” said the diminutive player, who showed impressive skills and tactics despite his height disadvantage.