AFC Futsal Asian Cup
The group top seeds and thrice-runners-up take on the seven-time quarter-finalists, who are eager to make up for their non-show at the last edition.
The other tie will see Vietnam face off against Kuwait, who are both looking to stamp their mark after having regularly made the Finals but with no success.
Thailand v Lebanon
Venue: Jakarta International Velodrome
Kick-off: Tuesday, 13:00 (UTC+7)
Head coach Rakphol Sainetngam is still new to the job but the tactician is confident 2024 runners-up Thailand will put up a good show.
“We spent 20 days preparing for this tournament, and we took the time to fix our key problems, which were mainly on recovery and player mentality,” said Rakhpol, who was also in charge of the national futsal team from 2020-21.
“The team will face a high level of competition, but we have good, young players with good skills and finishing. They just lack the experience but I hope they remain confident and enjoy the tournament.”
Lebanon failed to qualify for the last edition, which snapped their run of 12 straight Finals appearances.
“It is important for us to show good work and play good football here,” said head coach Ricardo Iniguez. “We have some young players and I’m happy with our work rate so far, but Thailand are a very good team so we will have to take it step by step.”
#ACFutsal | Preview: Group Stage
Vietnam v Kuwait
Venue: Jakarta International Velodrome
Kick-off: Tuesday, 17:00 (UTC+7)
Vietnam made the quarter-finals in 2024, and even more critically, have advanced to the knock-out stage in four of their last five showings and head coach Diego Giustozzi is confident his side will do better this time.
“We want to win against everyone, and target to go past the group stage again,” said the Argentinian. “Futsal in Vietnam has progressed tremendously, and if we trust the process we can achieve our goals here.
"We have eight new players with an average age of 23, and it will be difficult to find the right balance against Kuwait due their lack of experience, but this is a more offensive-minded team and I believe in my players.”
Kuwait did not advance past the group stage in 2024, but are no newcomers to the continental showpiece. They have made the Finals 13 times, finishing fourth in 2003 and 2014.
“We are familiar with all our group opponents and have prepared accordingly,” said head coach Bruno Garcia. “Our team is a new generation, with some of the more experienced players taking on new roles and the newer players lacking experience.
“But we will look to dominate the situation against Vietnam and in all our following matches.”
