Head coach Nuengruethai Srathongvian praised her players after the Thailand U20 women’s national team secured qualification for the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 following a convincing 4-1 victory over Vietnam in their second Group A match.
The win ensured Thailand finished with a perfect six points from their opening two games, confirming their place in the last eight of the continental tournament being hosted in the country.
Speaking after the match, Nuengruethai highlighted how her players had begun adapting to the intensity of the finals.
“The players are starting to adjust well to the level of the final tournament. Especially against Vietnam, they were confident because we had faced them before. They believed in themselves and were able to apply what we trained for after studying Vietnam carefully,” she said.
She admitted the opening match against Bangladesh had been more difficult due to nerves from playing at home.
“In the first game, the players were excited because it was their first time playing in front of home fans. That excitement caused some mistakes and we conceded a goal we shouldn’t have allowed. But I must credit the players for their determination to fight back and secure a very hard-earned three points.”
Nuengruethai said the team had already begun preparing strategically for the knockout stage depending on their final group position.
“We have prepared for the match against China as well. We already understand the possible paths depending on whether we finish first or second in the group. This match will be very important and will also provide valuable experience for our players at the Asian level.”
She added that the squad depth is one of the team’s strengths.
“All 23 players have similar levels of ability. Selection depends on tactical needs during matches. Every player in the squad has professional league experience.”
Thailand will now face China in their final Group A match at Thammasat Stadium on April 7.
