Get to know Westfield Matildas opponents Thailand

Westfield Matildas fans will be counting down the days until they get to see the team in action again on home soil when they take on Thailand in March.

While the Westfield Matildas have dominated against them in the past, Thailand have been one of the Asian Football Confederations biggest improvers in recent years.

Here’s a little bit more on what you need to know about our opponents at nib Stadium in Perth next month.

THAILAND

World ranking: 30

Coach: Nuengruethai Sathongwien

Captain Duangnapa Sritala

Star player: Kanjana Sungngoen

The 31-year-old striker has a fantastic goal-scoring record, finding the net 30 times in just over 40 appearances for the national team.

It was her two goals against Vietnam at the 2014 AFC Asian Cup which earned Thailand their first appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

Thai striker Kanjana Sungngoen
Thai striker Kanjana Sungngoen.

How have they performed in 2018 so far?

Thailand took part in a four nation’s tournament in China in January, playing games against Colombia, Vietnam and the host nation.

And they achieved some credible results, beating Vietnam 2-0, while earning a 1-1 draw with the South Americans.

Their only loss came against China, losing 2-1 despite taking a first-half lead.

Did you know?

Thailand finished fifth at the 2014 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, helping the nation qualify for their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015.

Despite losing 4-0 against European powerhouses Norway and Germany, they managed one win in their group, beating Ivory Coast 3-2.