At 9:00 p.m. on September 5, the Thai team arrived at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi). Afterwards, coach Masatada Ishii and his team quickly moved to the Grand Plaza Hotel to settle down.
This is also the home base of the Vietnamese team. This brings excitement between the two Southeast Asian representatives participating in the tournament.
Despite the 2-hour flight, the Thai coaches and players were still excited. The luggage transfer was also quick, based on the "team work" request from Mr. Masatada Ishii.
The Japanese coach directly participated in the transportation process. The whole team lined up in two rows to create a fast transportation chain of personal suitcases, training equipment, and medical supplies into the hotel.
After checking in, the Thai football team was given a snack before returning to their rooms to rest.
The Thai team will have a practice session at My Dinh Stadium on the afternoon of September 6, before meeting the Russian team at 8:00 p.m. on September 7.
Regarding the force, the Thai team has a total of 45 members, including 23 players and 22 coaching staff members. Coach Ishii called up 10 new players, most of whom are U23.
Among these, there are some notable new recruits such as central defender Songwut Kraikruan (1m88); central defender Jonathan Khemdee (1m90) - of Thai and Danish descent; midfielder William Weidersjo and striker Patrik Gustavsson - a duo born in Sweden...
In addition, the Thai team also has the presence of Suphanat Mueanta - a player who is playing for Leuven club in the Belgian national championship. Besides, Ekanit Panya was also called back by Mr. Ishii after 3 months of absence from the national team.
These will be important factors for the "War Elephants" when Chanathip Songkrasin , Theerathon Bunmathan and Supachai Jaided cannot come to Vietnam.
According to the match schedule, Thailand will face Russia at 8:00 p.m. on September 7 and Vietnam at 8:00 p.m. on September 10.
