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Thailand's national Futsal team did a marvellous job at the World 5s Futsal Championships in Kuala Lumpur recently despite loosing in the division 2 finals to Japan by a narrow 4-3 score. The once little known Thai team has now become a force to reckon within Asia.

Against the Brazilians, the Thais played quality Futsal, even though they went on to loose 4-1. After the match, the Brazilian coach was so impressed by the Thais that he made it a point to compliment the team in front of a press conference.

The Thais only victory came in the form of a 6-2 win over South Africa. The match was filled with top performance by the Thais, who didn't win just by chance, but rather by sheer talent.

A victory was expected against Japan, but if one had the opportunity to view the finals, it was clear that both sides had equal chances of winning, despite the Thai side not having star player Yuthana Polsak who was red-carded in his previous match. It was an exciting and close game, which went in Japan's favour as they attacked more intensely. In the first half, Japan's Kenishiro locked a beautifully timed kick in front of a full Thai defence in the 9th minute while Japanese player Takaki took the score to 2-0 in the 15th minute.

The first goal for Thailand came from Anucha Muncharoen. A sparkling kick from midfield saw a defenceless Japanese goalkeeper standing there wide eyed. It also turned out to be Anucha's fourth goal of the championships.

After a confident-rousing pep talk at the break, the Thais charged back into the game to make it two goals apiece when Nares Sukngam banged in the equalizer. But the fierce attacking by the Japanese side produced two goals by Kioshi, in the 28th minute, and Kenta two minutes later. The Thai side went on an attacking spree of their own, but managed only one more goal from Anupong Polsak in the dying moments of the game.

This was Thailand's second defeat at the hands of Japan in as many encounters.

``It is a pity that we lost, but I am happy with the performance of our team,'' said team manager, Adisak. Benjasiriwan.

The most important lesson that the Thais have learned from their defeat by Japan is that they have nothing to fear next time around. Adisak is optimistic that next time Thailand meets Japan, a victory would be likely.

Comments from Thai Futsal coaches pointed to the fact that Japan's win came largely because of superior strategy. Concurrently, they claim that Thailand isn't too far behind and should be able to catch up with proper training.

Japan's coach Hanada said that they were fortunate to have beaten Thailand, saying next time they would have to be on their guard because the Thais had improved in leaps and bounds. Thailand's national Futsal team's next tournament will be the Asian Championships in Iran next month.