The Siamese National Squad
Trigram: SIAM
Nickname: The Elephants, as elephants are a lucky animal in Siam.
Denonym: Siamese
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Nattapong "Kong" Thongchai
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
OFFENCE Siam's traditional three at the front mainly focuses on wing play, passing the ball across the front line and from winger to winger. One of their key characteristics is their use of set pieces to send the ball up the field and create goal scoring opportunities. They are able to switch the point of attack quickly and are very good from dead-ball situations.
DEFENCE Siam's defenders are well drilled and disciplined in dealing with some of the best forwards in the world. This is partly to do with the fact that the manager, Nattapong, was a defender in his glory days. They are well trained in marking, and know how to deal with most formations. However, the rigid discipline does mean that it is hard for them to think of creative strategies, and they are especially weak at defending set pieces.
MIDFIELD Siam's midfield is mainly focused on controlling possession and tempo of the game, keeping the ball away from the other team and moving the ball effectively around the middle of the pitch. This creates space and opportunity for the attackers to score, and a few well placed passes can create a goal.
MANAGER AND STAFF
Nattapong, better known by his nickname "Kong", is the current manager of the Siamese national team. He has been in charge for 3 years now, and the team have undergone a streak of good results with him in charge. This is his first World Cup in charge after retiring from proffessional football, and fans are poised to see how well he'll do. There are of course skeptics, claiming that he only got the job because he used to play for the side, and doubting his ability to perform on the international stage. He pays no heed to this however, and focuses on developing Siam into a formiddable force in world football. The assistant coach is his older brother and also former Siam player, Chaiyaphum Thongchai.
Assistant Coach: Chaiyaphum Thongchai
Goalkeeping Coach: Surachai Thamthet
Fitness Coach: Kanokporn Sutthikul
Chief Analyst: Supakorn Saenprasert
General Coordinator: Sirintra Pongsapipatt
ROSTER
DEFENCE
SARAWUT PHETPRADAB (#1, GK)
CLUB: Siamese Tigers FC
FUN FACT: Sarawut is known for his penalty saving skills, having saved 14 penalties throughout his career for the national team.
Sarawut began his career at White Lotus FC before moving to Nakhon Ratchasima Thunder in 2018. At the club, his performances caught the eye of national team scouts and he made his debut for the Elephants in 2019, the same season he moved to his current club, Siamese Tigers.
CHATCHAI WONGTA (#2, RWB)
CLUB: Siam Navy FC
FUN FACT: Chatchai collects football shirts, and has over 1000 from around the world.
Chatchai is part of an aging back line, but despite his age, he maintains a good level of fitness and contributes much to the team. He has pace and good crossing ability, and he will always help a teammate rather than searching for a goal.
KAMOLPOL MANEEWONG (#3, CB)
CLUB: Ayutthaya Warriors FC
FUN FACT: Kamolpol has a special ritual where he listens to traditional Siamese music before a game to help him relax.
Kamolpol began his playing career at Krabi Sharks in 2011 and was signed for his current club in 2013. Despite being 32, he shows no signs of slowing down and his dedication and determination makes him a valuable asset to the team.
KIATISAK JANTAPAN (c) (#4, CB)
CLUB: Siamese Basil FC
FUN FACT: Kiatisak is known for his love of spicy foods and curries.
Kiatisak is a strong defender and key player for both club and country. He possesses strong leadership skills, which is what earned him the captaincy of the squad. Despite being 30 years old he is still going strong and is one of the top defenders in League 1 following his move to Basil in 2017.
ARTHIT BUA-NGAM (#5, LWB)
CLUB: Siamese Tigers FC
FUN FACT: Arthit was orginally a midfielder, but his youth coach switched him to a left wingback role that he has played ever since.
Arthit is a ride or die Siamese Tigers player, being part of their squad since 2013. He is also a veteran of the national team, having had his call up in 2015. He is known for his skill at creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. At 28, he is the youngest in an aging back line.
MIDFIELD
SUNTORN SOMWANG (#6, RW)
CLUB: Krabi Sharks FC
FUN FACT: Suntorn is also a talented musician and he plays the guitar and writes his own songs.
Scouted for the Sharks when he was only 17, Suntorn is a rising star in Siamese football. He is known for his dribbling skills and accurate crosses and is great at free kicks, scoring a spectacular one against Nakhon Ratchasima Thunder last season.
NATTAPONG KAEWSUWAN (#7, CAM)
CLUB: Golden Chedi FC
FUN FACT: Nattapong's goal celebration is iconic, with him doing a backflip followed by a cartwheel.
Nattapong started his career with Chang Mai United before moving to Golden Chedi in 2019. That season he helped them to a top 4 finish with his vision and creativity, and earned him a spot in the national team.
JATURONG PIMKOON (#8, LW)
CLUB: Nakhon Ratchasima Thunder FC
FUN FACT: Jaturong's family run a small restaurant in Nakhon Ratchasima's town center, and Jaturong himself has a passion for cooking.
Jaturong is a newcomer to the Siamese team, only getting his call up this season. For his club, he is known for his blistering pace and agility, and despite only being 23, he has impressed both fans and critcs, and earmed their respect.
FORWARDS
SURIYA PHUMIPAK (#9, CF)
CLUB: Chang Mai United
FUN FACT: Suriya holds the record for the most goals scored in a season at the Chang Mai youth academy, where he scored an incredible 38 goals in just 20 matches.
Suriya is a rising star in the world of Siamese football. He is a prolific striker with an eye for the back of the net, which earned him his national team call up this season. He is widely regarded as being the most promising young striker in the league.
ATTHAPHON KAEWKHONG (#10, AF)
CLUB: Bangkok Lions FC
FUN FACT: Atthaphon is accomplished at scoring from bicycle kicks, and has perfected the art.
Attaphon is known for his ability to score a goal from any angle, even upside-down. He started his career at Emerald Buddha, and joined the Lions in 2016. His impressive ability earned him his international call up in 2018, and has been a valuable player for them ever since, capitalising off Suntorn's crossing ability.
WORACHIT KANITSRIBAMPEN (#11, CF)
CLUB: Siamese Phoenix United FC
FUN FACT: Another record holder, Worachit holds the record for most goals scored in a season, with 37 goals in the 2018-19 season
Worachit has a sharp instinct and clinical finishing skills in front of goal. He joined Phoenix in 2019 after they were promoted and is now a key player for the club. He possesses a powerful shot and heading ability that will trouble any goalkeeper.
RESERVES
Sarawut Wongsa - Goalkeeper - #22
Anongchai Chomchuen - Defender - #13
Wipawee Kunanukulkiat - Defender - #14
Chakrit Pongthong - Defender - #15
Sathawat Srisuwan - Midfielder - #16
Nuttapong Promdee - Midfielder - #17
Thawatchai Phumiphat - Midfielder - #18
Prasit Khunkitti - Forward - #19
Nattawut Thammarong - Forward - #20
Charinpong Pongthana - Forward - #21
KITS
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