Not only the Thai national football team is in the starting blocks of preparation for their big appearance at the AFF Suzuki Cup in November. Also Thailand's Futsal team will have his world wide appearance in November during the World Cup on home soil and the preparation takes shape too.

From 8 to 20 August Thailand's Futsal team stays in Europe while the trip serves as preparation for the worlds biggest Futsal event, the World championship. If one looks on what is planned during these two weeks, it is also a small reward for the performances which the team has produced so far this year. Beside the training and some test encounters, tourist excursions are also on the programme. While the base camp will be in Belgium.

It wasn't meant to be. After a sensational success of Thailand over Iran in the semi-final, Vic Hermans team had to acknowledge defeat to Japan in the final.

The half-time score in the well-attended Al Wasl stadium was same like against Iran two days before. But this time a 1-2 deficit could not be turned into a win. Like in the game against Iran, Thailand faced an early set back after Kenichiro Kogure scored for Japan with just four minutes in the game. Even if Thailand could equalize through Kritsada Wongkaew, real chances to score did not arise. The Japanese operated extremely disciplined and solid in defense. There was no way getting through for Thailand. Besides, lack of concentration on passing the pall around ruined descent build-up.

What happened at the Al-Wasl club hall on Wednesday was extremely nerve-wracking and ended historically. For the first time in Futsal, Thailand edged Iran and is through to the final of the AFC Futsal Championship.

Who pursued the semi-final, be it out of sheer curiosity or else and up to now was no fan of Futsal, could have turned into one after todays match. As an outsider Thailand went in to the encounter with 10-time winner and titleholder Iran. At the beginning everything ran after plan for the Iranians. Captain Vahid Shamsaei, put his side upfront after four minutes, and after ten minutes the Thais were already down by 2-0. However, Thailand showed no sign of a shock and through the 23 year-old Futsal hopeful Suphawut Thueanklang hit back almost immediately. Goalkeeper Tompa collected a yellow card early, which fortunately in the course of the game had no further consequences.

At the AFC Futsal Championship 2012, Thailand qualified for the quarterfinals. With no defeat coach Vic Hermans eleven could qualify for the knock out stage.

Since last Friday the Asian Championships in Futsal are underway. As expected Thailand won its Group A. In the opener against Kyrgyzstan, which at the end also could qualify for the quarterfinal, the Thais struggled. Though a hard-earned 2-0 victory marked a successful start. A 5-1 success over Turkmenistan in the second game then nearly secured quarterfinal berth. Referee of the match was the Australian Scott Kidson to whom we will come back once again later this year, within the course of our World cup coverage.

As hosting nation of the Futsal World Cup in November, Thailand do not need to qualify via the AFC Futsal Championship. But Thailand coach Vic Hermans is aiming for the semi finals at least. For all the other nations it is also about making it to the World Cup.

On this Friday the AFC Futsal Championship are due to start. A total of 16 teams, split in four groups, fighting for a spot in the quarterfinals. With no doubt record holder and defending champion Iran is the hot favorite to win the tournament. In group A Thailand will have to take on the host from the Emirates, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. Anything but finishing top of the group would be a disappointment for worlds current number 10. in Futsal.