The Big Interview: Suphawut Thueanklang

Late winter in Tashkent is a far cry from the sunny climes of the Gulf of Thailand but the unfamiliar surroundings had little effect on Suphawut Thueanklang, the Thai futsal hotshot who ensured a year that began in the Uzbek capital would reach a climax in the Colombian city of Medellin.

Overlooked by the Chimgan Mountains’ snow-capped peaks to the east and dotted with vibrant bazaars, the picturesque Central Asian city played host to the AFC Futsal Championship in February. The tournament carried extra significance as the top five teams would book their ticket to the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Colombia.

Twenty-seven-year-old Suphawut scored twice in a comfortable 6-1 quarter-final victory over Australia as Dutchman Victor Hermans’ side advanced to the last four and secured their passage to South America. It was only Thailand’s fourth game of the tournament, yet Suphawut had taken his tally to 10 goals, including hat-tricks against Tajikistan and Southeast Asian rivals Vietnam.

In front of a rapturous Uzbekistan Stadium two days later, Thailand were tasked overcoming the hosts to reach a third continental final. They failed, by the narrowest of margins, as Uzbekistan scraped through on penalties following a 2-2 draw. Suphawut, who set up both goals and scored from the spot, went on to net four more in the 8-0 drubbing of Vietnam as Thailand claimed third place and the forward bagged the Top Scorer award with an outstanding 14 goals in six games.

The hosts ultimately fell just short in the final after suffering a 2-1 reversal to Iran.