Pattaya: The Thai national beach soccer team got revenge by crushing Russia and winning the Pattaya Beach International 2025 championship in Pattaya, Chonburi Province, before competing in the Asian Championship next month. According to Thai News Agency, the Pattaya Beach International Beach Soccer Final at Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, Chonburi Province, saw the Thai national team, preparing for the AFC Championship, face off against Russia. Russia had previously dominated the competition with four consecutive victories in the first round of a round-robin format, where the Thai team had initially lost to them in a penalty shootout. In this decisive match, "Coach Eak" Setthakornchai Chuenta, the head coach of Thailand, fielded the first 5 players, consisting of Suriya Bridech, Natee Jippan, Wuttinan Pruthong, Setthawut Chaobankrang, and Thanandon Praraj. The game was intensely competitive, but the Thai team secured their revenge by defeating Russia 6-2. The goals for Thailand came from Thanandon Praraj in the 5th minute, Komgrit Na Nan in the 28th minute, Jake Stoten, a Thai-English player, in the 30th minute, Ratthapong Nadi with a penalty kick in the 33rd minute, Ratthapong Nadi again in the 35th minute, and Ratchanon Chantasen in the 36th minute. Russia's contributions to the scoreboard were made by Anton Shetiyev in the 10th minute and Pechnikov, the goalkeeper, with a long-range shot in the 20th minute. The victory sets a positive precedent for the Thai team, who are preparing to compete in the 2025 Asian Championship, 'AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025', scheduled from 20-30 March at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya. This tournament will serve as a selection event for three teams to qualify for the 2025 Beach Soccer World Cup in Seychelles.
