Thanatorn believed the game was won following the tactical adjustments made during the game.

“This win is the result of thorough preparation. We studied Japan closely, and we knew their players are very agile. We focused on slowing down their offensive play and reducing their speed. We also adjusted the speed of our own players, and that was the key to our victory," said the 45-year-old.

“We did not change the tactics in the first half but after we saw the energy of the Japanese players went down, we quickened our movements and that boosted our team's performance.”

Despite conceding the opening goal after the break, Thailand responded emphatically – Darika Peanpailun for an own goal by Anna Amishiro for the equaliser and a brace from Paerploy Huajaipetch sealed the win for the Southeast Asians. Custodian Sasiprapha Suksen also played a key role with several big saves, including one off a free shot at 0-0.

“That save by our goalkeeper was extremely important. It boosted our team’s spirit and seemed to give us the momentum,” Thanatorn reflected. “We adjusted our tactics to slow down Japan's fast play. We locked in on their mistakes, and when the time was right, we attacked and scored.

“Everyone was relieved from the pressure with this win after our 0-0 stalemate with Indonesia.”

For Thailand, the victory brings back memories of their stunning triumph over Japan in the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, where they defeated the East Asians 3-1 in the final to win the gold medal. 

“We beat Japan in Ashgabat 2017 to win the gold medal, and this is the second time we’ve beaten them by the same scoreline. Hopefully, we’ll make it a third time,” he added.

Meanwhile, Japan head coach Takehiro Suga acknowledged his side's struggles against Thailand’s relentless attack but took solace in their fighting spirit.

“I’m proud of my players. They gave their best, but Thailand's attack was strong and it was difficult to handle. We need to improve our finishing and score more goals,” said Suga, whose charges also spurned several opportunities. 

“Thailand’s goal came from an own goal and their counter-attacks were very effective – that’s why they won. However, Japan played well too. We need to stay focused for the next match and come together as a team.”

Indonesia, meanwhile, will head into the quarter-finals brimming with confidence after a comprehensive 5-1 win over Bahrain on Sunday.

A brace from Ikeu Rosita led the way, while Fitri Rosdiana, Insyafadya Salsabillah and an own goal by Bahrain completed the scoring, securing Indonesia’s place among the final eight.

The Southeast Asians commanded the game with head coach Luis Estrela highlighting the team’s growth.

“All the players deserve credit for this performance. They’ve worked incredibly hard since December,” the Portuguese said. “What we showed today, we also demonstrated in the second half against Japan and throughout the match against Thailand — both were fantastic performances.

“Today, we delivered another strong display, just like we did in the friendlies against China PR and in the Qualifiers against India, Kyrgyz Republic, and Hong Kong, China PR.

“This team has been consistently improving. The players believe in the process, and we’ve developed a winning mentality.”

Estrela also praised his players for adapting well to Bahrain’s tactical change in the second half. 

“We knew we were up against a quality opponent and some of them are dangerous shooters. They transitioned quickly and are coached by Lino (Marcelino Da Silva), who is outstanding,” he said.

“But our strategy worked. Even when the game shifted, we adjusted. It was a fair result, and our team deserved it because of the effort and intelligence they showed throughout.”

Bahrain head coach Marcelino Da Silva was visibly disappointed following his side’s defeat, a result that ended their campaign in Hohhot.

“We didn’t play our game — maybe the players felt the pressure, but at least they kept fighting,” the Italian saida. “When you're not keeping the ball and fatigue sets in, you have to take risks. We were 2-0, 3-0 down — and we didn’t want to sit back and defend. We’re not going to take a cowardly approach. We wanted to win.”

Da Silva acknowledged the uphill battle Bahrain faced in Group C, drawn alongside heavyweights like Japan and Indonesia, but praised his players for their determination and growth throughout the tournament.

“There were so many questions about our fitness and mental readiness when we were drawn into this group,” he said.

“We were asking a lot from our players to go up against teams like Japan and Indonesia. But at the same time, we’ve learned a lot, and I’m very proud of these players for the courage they’ve shown.

“We don’t have a futsal league in Bahrain, and that’s something I hope will change. Lack of regular playing time is a real issue — especially when we’re facing players who compete every weekend. I just hope our performance here can spark change.”