Thailand striker Supachai Chaided was in high spirits after his two-goal performance in the opening game of the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar on Tuesday.
The Buriram United striker celebrated his recall to the national team by grabbing a brace that helped Thailand upset Kyrgyzstan 2-0 and give the War Elephants an ideal start in the continental tournament.
Supachai, who had received 19 stitches on his eyebrow during a Thai League 1 game earlier this month, struck on either side of half-time as Masatada Ishii's men dominated Kyrgyzstan in their first Group F game.
The War Elephants lead Group F standings with a better goal difference than three-time champions Saudi Arabia, who came from behind to beat Oman 2-1 on the same day.
"It was a good result for our team. Our goal was to get three points in our first game because we did not want to come here and just play three group matches and go home and we achieved that," said the lanky striker.
"The atmosphere in the team now is very good. We try to communicate and talk with each other. Everyone knows what coach [Masatada] Ishii wants and how can we work with him.
"I am very happy with the two goals that I scored and I thanked everyone in the team who helped one another and the coaching staff as well.
"It was because of our hard work that we got the result we wanted," he added.
Supachai added there is still room for improvement as the War Elephants continued their preparation for the next round of group matches.
"During the match against Kyrgyzstan, the coach told us not to defend deep after we scored. However, there were some errors in the details that we need to work on because we will face a tougher opponent in our next match," he added.
Thailand, who have no injury concerns after the opening game, will play Oman on Sunday at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha.
The match, which will kick off at 9.30pm, will be shown live on PPTV HD36 and T Sports 7.
Crowning achievement
Thailand captain Theerathon Bunmathan became the sixth player to win 100 caps for the War Elephants in the match against Kyrgyzstan in the Asian Cup in Qatar.
The 33-year-old defender joined Piyapong Pue-on, Kiatisak Senamuang, Totchtawan Sripan, Datsakorn Thonglao and Teerasil Dangda in the centurion club.
"As a team manager who has a chance to work with Theerathon, I am not surprised why he has been the main player for the Thai national team for more than 10 years," said Nualphan Lamsam.
"Besides his football skills, Theerathon is an example to other players with his professionalism," added Nualphan, who will send the national jersey with the No.100 on the back to Qatar as a gesture of her appreciation.