"For me this moment.... I don't know how to explain," Thailand coach Jose Antonio Da Silva Carvalho told The Phuket News immediately after the Thai team won the gold medal at the 4th Asian Beach Games in Patong.
"It took me seven years to show that Foot Volley is an exciting sport. For Thailand to win this, to play an amazing match in front of all these people, I'm very happy."
Thailand won three straight matches on Friday (November 14), the first day of the event – against Vietnam, South Korea, and Iran (by way of injury) – to advance to the semi-final round on Saturday (November 15).
The Thai team easily defeated Malaysia in the semi-final – winning two straight sets by a score of 18-5 and 18-2 – to secure their place in the final in a rematch against Iran.
Easily the most competitive match for the Thai team, Iran made a strong run in the second set after losing the first one 18-8. With the score 17-11, Thai player Ruangsri Thanee was able to get the final point to secure gold for Thailand.
His teammate, Thonglai Winai, and coach Carvalho were all smiles once the final whistle blew.
The win was particularly special for Carvalho, a former player in Brazil who moved to Thailand seven years ago and aims to make Foot Volley a mainstay in the country.
"We want to show people that this is a great but difficult sport since you have to be physical, technical and possess many skills together," he said, "Now, Thai people are very happy. We want to make Foot Voolley more popular with this win."
FOOT VOLLEY STANDINGS
| Rank | Country |  |  |  | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Thailand |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2 |  Islamic Republic of Iran |
0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 |  Malaysia |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
 United Arab Emirates |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
For more information on the 4th Asian Beach Games, visit Phuketthailand2014.com