Theerathon: 'Thailand is at its strongest point in many years'

Defender Theerathon Bunmathan believes that Thai players currently playing abroad will help the national team defeat China in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

"Playing at home, we want to win three points against China," Theerathon said on November 13. "The Thai squad is currently the strongest in many years, thanks to players who play abroad such as Supachok Sarachat, Ekanit Panya, and Suphanat Mueanta. Not to mention Chanathip Songkrasin and Teerasil Dangda, who have also played abroad for many years. Therefore, we will do our best against China."

Theerathon (seated) during Thailand's training session in Bangkok on November 13, 2023. Photo: FAT

Thailand is in Group C of the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the Asian region, along with South Korea, China, and Singapore. Mano Polking's team will play their first match against China at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, followed five days later by an away game in Singapore.

Central defender Kritsada Kaman also expressed confidence that Thailand would defeat China in their opening match. He believes that their opponent is strong and well-rounded, but the home team will play hard because "of course Thailand wants three points."

According to the FIFA rankings, China is currently ranked 79th in the world , 33 places higher than Thailand. However, according to Elo ratings, the visiting 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 even, with each team winning three, drawing one, and losing three.

Theerathon and Kritsada are both starters for Thailand, playing left back and center back respectively. However, both players can also play as central midfielders thanks to their passing and distribution skills. Besides Chanathip and Teerasil, Thailand also has attacking midfielder Supachok, who is in excellent form with seven goals in 22 J League matches this season for Consadole Sapporo.

Hoang An

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