Over the past weeks there was plenty of action seen Thai national teams involved. It won't get less over the next couple of weeks and month. Already since Thursday last week the AFF U19 championships underway while Thailand is going to start it's campaign off this Sunday.

This years tournament is played with 10 teams, divided into two groups. The best two nations of each group are to face each other in the semis. Thailand was drawn into group A together with Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia and Philippines. The first opponent Thailand have to take on this Sunday is Malaysia. Latter had their opener already against Cambodia, resulting in a goalless draw. The other match of group A between Philippines and Singapore ended 1-1. This year Thailand U19 will be under the helm of newly appointed head coach Somchai Chuayboonchum. Followers of Thai football may recognise his name, as Somchai acted as coach for TPL side Samut Songkhram for many years. He recently was in charge of Chanthaburi FC and was dismissed there few months ago.

Thailand's U19 finished their AFC U19 Championship campaign positive. After the second match, Thailand have been out of the tournament already. However the lads finished with a positive note, draw level with China in the last match of Group A. China already qualified for the next round before the game.

Both sides found opportunities hard to come by during the opening 30 minutes with China restricted to long shots and Thailand looking to hit the hosts on the break. Zhang Xihe saw a drive from the edge of the box denied by the legs of keeper Ukrit Wongmeema in the 26th minute before nine minutes later, Thailand took the lead.

Thailands U19 lost their second match of Group A to Saudi-Arabia by one goal to nill. A late goal smashed all hopes to advance to next round. By far Thailand was the better side and had better chances, but failed to score.

As coach Chalermvud Sangnapol promised before the match, he made a few changes on the starting line-up. Ukrit Wongmeena found his way back into the goal after being not eligible to play the first match. Chayanan Pombuppha from Police United was left off the field and was replaced by Phuket FC striker Chakrit Rawanprakone. At the end of the article you will not only be able to find the line-up of the match, you even will be able to find the whole squad listed including the clubs the lads are playing for.

Unfortunately Thailands U19 lost their opener of the 2010 AFC Championship campaign. A second-half goal from Radwan Kalaji saw 10-man Syria edge out Thailand 1-0 at Zibo Sports Centre.

It was Thailand who had enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes with Sarach Yooyen proving particularly threatening. The midfielder forced keeper Ibrahim Almeh to tip over after 16 minutes following a scramble in the box and a minute later, came even closer when a fine 30-yard free-kick smacked the outside of the post and went behind.

AFC U19 Championship 2010 will kick off tomorrow with the opener China against Saudi Arabia. It will be the 36th edition of the most important youth tournament in Asia. With the final to be played on 17 October it will come to end. 

Thailands U19 qualified for this tournament and was drawn into Group A. They will face China, Saudi Arabia and Syria. Surely not an easy one. Head coach Chalermvud Sangnapol, former Bangkok Bank Coach, told the media: “In our group, Saudi Arabia, China and Syria are very strong. I hope also to qualify because we came with the target of qualifying. It will be hard but we hope to qualify also.” China clearly is favourite for winning Group A. The Thais will play matches at the Zibo Sports Center Stadium in Zibo.

Thailand was able to qualify, coming second behind South Korea in the qualification tournament in 2009. Since 1992 the Thais never missed a U19 Championship final round.