With the AFF Championships ahead, official games are on the schedule for the women's national football team for the first time after a one year break. We take a look at the preparation and talked to team officials.

From 13 - 22 September the 7th edition of the AFF Women's Championship takes place in Vietnam. Defending champion Thailand, currently number 30 of the FIFA world rankings, is going to face Laos (82) and Malaysia (86) in group B. The fourth team of this group, Indonesia, has withdrawn at short notice. In Group A, Vietnam (31), Myanmar (47), the Philippines (85) and Singapore (92) are fighting for two spots in the semi-finals. For Thailand, the tournament marks the first official internationals since nearly one year. Back, that time the women's were able to lift the AFF trophy for the first time since the tournament saw his introduction in 2006.

After beating Myanmar 2-1 in the final of the women's AFF Championship this week, Thailand lifted the AFF Cup trophy for the first time in history. They are now "Champion of ASEAN", a well earned title completing a really successful year in Thailand's women football.

As expected, the group stage was no big hurdle for Thailand women's national team. 8-1, 5-1 and a 3-1 against the later final opponent Myanmar, were the results in the qualifying round. As winner of group B Thailand qualified for the semi finals and avoided arch rival Vietnam. Sovereign as Thailand, Vietnam won his group and clashed with Myanmar in the round of the last 4. Latter only underdogs, knew how to surprise at the end. Although for most of the time being the dominant team, and leading 1-0, the Vietnamese national side finally been knocked out. Thailand, playing the other semi final against Laos, did not hesitate and sent them home wining 4-0 to book a place in the final.

Currently the AFF Women's Championship taking place for the fifth time. Since the inaugural tournament in 2006, Thailand's women national team was not able to lift the trophy. This time it should happening. Thailand started the tournament successful, leaving Malaysia with no chance.

The Women's AFF Championship is the female version of the region famous men tournament AFF Suzuki Cup. From 16 to 24 October the women's competition this year takes place in Vientiane/Laos. Beside Malaysia Thailand's national team is going to face Myanmar and the Philippines in group B. None of the opponents from group B seriously might prevent Thailand from winning the group and reaching the semi-finals. Myanmar is lining up a U-23, a team selected particularly with regard to the SEA-Games 2013 and the Philippines lost the opener to Myanmar 2-0. Thailand steam rolled Malaysia in the first match 8-1. Nisa Romyen scored a hat-trick within seven minutes. Other goals came from Warunee Phetwiset, Junpen Seesraum, Sunisa Srangthaisong and Taneekarn Dangda.

Till present Thailand women's football national team played two matches of the final Olympic qualifying round and host China is waiting on Monday. Unsurprisingly Thailand lost their two openers against World Champion Japan and World Championship participant Australia. While Taneekarn Dangda putatively wrote a piece of football history.

Thailand women's coach Piyakul Kawnamkang had to travel to China without key players. Goalkeeper Warapon Boonsing and defender Pikul Khueanpet were absent because of injury. Forward Pitsamai Sornsai who was nominated but still nursing an injury. Not enough captain Junpen "Juppie" Seesraum was suspended for the first match. And no one else than World Cup™ holder Japan was waiting in the the first tie. Japan even could effort to leave captain Homare Sawa and goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori on the bench. Yuki Nagasato (Turbine Potsdam) and Saki Kumagai (FFC Frankfurt) were in the starting line-up.

Thai women's national team presumably is ahead of it's biggest challenge ever. From Thursday onwards they are going to fight for a ticket to the 2012 Olympic Games in London. On the very first day of the final round of the pre-Olympic qualification tournament, Thailand is going to face World Cup title holder Japan. World champion Yuki Nagasato answered a few of our questions ahead of the tie.

The Thai women's national team qualified for the final round of the pre-Olympic tournament, by fighting it's way through two qualifications round. World champion Japan, Australia, China (hosting the tournament) as well as North and South Korea are qualified for the final round without playing any match. All together those six nations are the cream Asian women's football has to offer. With no doubt, Thailand is nothing more than the underdog, although being ranked 6 in Asia. Japan as well as Australia are considerably the favourites to win the tournament and to earn a trip to London next year.