Thailand Coach Happy Theerathon Bunmathan Back After Printing 100 Caps

Theerathon Bunmathan has scored 100 caps for Thailand (doc. AFC).

JAKARTA - Thailand will face Uzbekistan in the last 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup with full strength. Captain Theerathon Bunmanthan has returned from a card accumulation penalty.

The condition was warmly welcomed by the White Elephant coach, Masatada Ishii. The experience of Theerathon is certainly very much needed when facing Uzbekistan. The captain has packed 100 caps with Thailand in the match against Oman in Group F.

"Of course it is an added value for us to have him (Theerathon) back to the squad. Someone who is very experienced at the international level," said Ishii on the AFC website.

"As one of the most important players in the team, he can have a big influence on the team. He will make us a team," he said again.

Meanwhile, Thailand has ambitions to go further than the round of 16. As far as participation in the Asian Cup is concerned, the White Elephant troops are at their furthest, only reaching the last 16 which first occurred in the 2019 edition in the United Arab Emirates.

Then, in five consecutive participations since the 1992 issue until they hosted together in 2007, they never passed the group stage.

Therefore, Ishii wants to make history for Thailand for the first time to reach the Asian Cup quarter-finals.

"When we qualified for the round of 16 with five points, we achieved our goal. However, now we want to continue to compete in this tournament." "Uzbekistan has a good defensive structure and a good game organization too. They like to work in deep spaces. So, we will try to make plans to overcome all that," said Ishii.

The Thailand vs Uzbekistan Party will be presented at Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 18.30 WIB.