Bangkok: "Big Tae" Kritsada Sajjakul, manager of the Thai women's futsal team, expressed his joy and gratitude as the team secured a spot in the 2025 Futsal World Cup finals in the Philippines. The team, ranked 4th globally and 1st in Asia, advanced by defeating China 3-2 in a dramatic semi-final match of the 2025 Futsal Asian Cup in China, becoming the first Asian nation to qualify. According to Thai News Agency, Kritsada Sajjakul extended his appreciation to supporters who have stood by the team throughout their preparation over the past few months. He emphasized the collective effort of the young athletes that turned the dreams of Thai futsal fans into reality. Reflecting on the intense semi-final match against China, he praised the head coach, Thanathorn Santhanaprasit, known as Coach O, and his staff for their psychological strategies, which played a crucial role in the victory. Kritsada highlighted the significant impact of Coach O's motivational skills, recalling how he encouraged the team to perseve re despite being behind. This mental fortitude, reminiscent of their previous encounter with Japan, was pivotal in their comeback win. The manager also commended the resilience of the players in overcoming external pressures, including the relentless support for their opponents from Chinese fans. Furthermore, Kritsada acknowledged the foundational work of the athletes' first coaches and the educational institutions that nurtured the players' talents. He admired the dedication and perseverance of the team members, some of whom practiced late into the night and endured rigorous training to reach this milestone. He urged the success of these players to inspire the next generation of female futsal athletes in Thailand. With the final match against Japan looming, Kritsada called upon sports fans across Thailand to rally behind the team. The Thai women's futsal team, currently ranked 4th in the world, will face Japan, ranked 10th globally, for the championship title at the Futsal Women's Asian Cup 2025 in Hohhot, China. The match is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Thai time and will be broadcast live via YouTube AFC Asian Cup.