Theerathon: 'Thailand is the strongest in many 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 currently the strongest in many years, thanks to players playing abroad such as Supachok Sarachat, Ekanit Panya and Suphanat Mueanta. Not to mention Chanathip Songkrasin and Teerasil Dangda 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

Thailand is 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 the opening match. He believes that this opponent is strong and well-balanced, but the home team will play with all their might because "of course Thailand wants three points".

According to FIFA rankings, China is ranked 79th in the world , 33 places higher than Thailand. According to Elo, the away team is only 19 places higher than 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 center-back respectively. However, both players can also play as central midfielders thanks to their passing and dealing abilities. In addition to Chanathip and Teerasil, Thailand also has attacking midfielder Supachok who is in good form with seven goals in 22 J-League games this season for Consadole Sapporo.

Hoang An

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