Thai Women's Football Faces Tough Draw at Asian Games
Thailand's women's football team suffered a crushing 0-8 defeat to Japan in their Asian Games opener, leaving them last in their group but still targeting a quarterfinal spot despite missing several key foreign-based players.
Dr. Chanyawit Policheewin, vice president of the Football Association of Thailand, acknowledged that the Thai women's team is in a tough spot at the Asian Games but still hopes to advance to the quarterfinals. Thailand's women's football team, coached by Alfred Neti Sritonginthorn, opened the 20th Asian Games Women's Football Tournament with a devastating 0-8 loss to host nation Japan, while Taiwan defeated Vietnam 2-1 in another group match, leaving Thailand in last place.
Dr. Chanyawit expressed sympathy for coach Alfred, noting that the squad blends several young prospects with veteran players, which puts them at an experience disadvantage compared to rivals in the group. Despite the difficult circumstances, he remains hopeful the Thai women will reach the quarterfinals as targeted.
"I spoke with Alfred before heading to the Asian Games," Dr. Chanyawit said. "We're missing many key players, particularly foreign-based mixed-heritage athletes we couldn't call up. So we've had to bring up younger players to play alongside experienced squad members. Coach Alfred acknowledges the group is tough. Japan is a world-class team with a women's World Cup title, so matching them right now will be difficult. Taiwan has been strong for years, and while they dipped slightly before, they're back at their best—almost as good as China. Coach Al has set the target of at least finishing third in the group."
"I believe we may need to settle this in our match against Vietnam," he continued. "By seeding, our chances look slim, but as a coach and national team representative, we can't say we have no hope. We must do our job as well as we can. The final match against Vietnam is critical in determining whether Thai women's football makes the quarterfinals. Personally, though I acknowledge the group is difficult, I remain confident in the coach and every player that we'll meet our target."
The Asian Games women's football tournament runs in three groups, with group champions, runners-up, and the two best third-place teams advancing to the quarterfinals. Thailand faces Taiwan on September 17 at 2 p.m. and Vietnam on September 21 at 5:30 p.m.
