Why did Thailand's soccer coach ask Japanese fans to cheer?


Japan's Masatada Ishii, 57, will take the reins of the Thai national team when they face South Korea on Saturday. Ishii, who played as a midfielder for Kashima Entlers in the J-League, served as head coach of Thai clubs including Samut Prakan City from 2019 to 2021 and Buriram United from 2021 to 2023 before taking the reins of Thailand ahead of the Asian Cup.

He led Thailand to the round of 16 at the last Asian Cup and is well-regarded in Thai soccer circles, having coached the team to a 1-1 draw against South Korea in the second qualifying round of the North American World Cup on June 21. When Ishii was introduced at a press conference at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Sept. 25, some Thai journalists greeted him with applause.

The World Cup second qualifying round match between South Korea and Thailand on June 26 will be Ishii's first game in charge of the national team in Thailand. "I'm very excited," he said, "especially since we drew 1-1 in Seoul. I believe we will have a good result this time as well," he said.

Asked how he plans to stop Son Heung-min (32-Tottenham), Ishii said: "We have a good analysis of Korea. I hope all Thai players will play according to our analysis," Ishii said, adding, "We will defend as best we can in tomorrow's match," but avoiding direct reference to Son Heung-min.

Thai Prime Minister Theta Shinawatra, 61, announced on social media on Thursday that the government would pay 3 million baht (about $111 million) for every point won in the World Cup qualifiers. The team will receive 9 million baht (about $332 million) if they beat South Korea, and 3 million baht if they draw. Coach Ishii said, "I am grateful to the Thai government and the Football Association. We will focus on tomorrow's game and prepare for how we will play," he said.

Ishii also expressed his hope that Japanese fans will support his team. "Tomorrow's match between Japan and North Korea has been canceled, so I hope the Japanese fans will support Thailand at that time," he said. FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) canceled the Japan-North Korea match scheduled to take place in Pyongyang on Saturday, citing North Korea's inadequate preparations for the match and confirming Japan's 3-0 forfeit win.


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