Thailand make strides against Spain

Thailand continued their FIFA Futsal World Cup preparations with two friendlies against Spain, the current European champions on Friday and Sunday. Following the Final Draw for November’s tournament, Thailand coach Vic Hermans said that after losing 8-0, 6-0 and 4-0 in their last three games with Spain, the two-match series would offer an indication of how ready Thailand were for November. The hosts did not get off to a good start at the Nimbutr Stadium on Friday evening, losing 8-0. After that game, Hermans said that his team showed the Spanish too much respect and were awe of their opponents. His words obviously resonated in the dressing room, as a much-improved performance saw Thailand suffer a narrow 6-4 defeat in Korat. Spain raced into an early lead, going 2-0 up inside the opening five minutes thanks to goals from Alex and Fernando. Jirawat Sornwichian pulled one back, but Fernando added his second shortly before the break to ensure that Spain’s two goal cushion remaned intact. The visitors started the second half strongly with Gaysus netting in the 23rd minute before Fernando completed his hat-trick four minutes later. Thailand fought back with two quick goals in two minutes from Na-Tee Thusiri and Suphawut Thuenklang, but Fernando grabbed his fourth goal of the evening and Spain’s sixth five minutes from time. Suphawut scored a consolation for Thailand in the final minute. With just two months to go before the tournament, the qualified teams are busy making plans for friendlies. While Thailand will be looking to build on this performance, Spain have certainly proved that they will be a tough team to defeat. FIFA