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Head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai said he was thrilled with the way his team, No 17 in the world, beat traditional superpowers China in the final in Vietnam, but now he has a more important things to focus on at the key end-of-year event, which runs until Sunday.

"It's another big challenge and a very difficult mission," Kiattipong said. "Of course, I want my team to beat as many teams as possible in the tournament. But I'm not setting any targets in terms of the position my team should finish in. We want to beat every team, but that goal will be tough to accomplish," he said.

Thailand will compete with five other teams - current World Cup winners and two-time European champions Italy, world No 1 and Beijing Olympic Games gold medallists Brazil (also No 1 in the world), North America champions Dominican Republic, wildcard South Korea and hosts Japan.

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my girls can regain their form and play the kind of exceptional volleyball they managed in Hanoi.

Despite the fact that we are now Asian champions, we know that we are not unbeatable at this level. The teams competing in the event are very strong, so we have to train much harder in preparation for the tournament. "Korea and Dominican Republic are the two teams that Thailand can match competitively, but it's going to be rather difficult to compete with Japan on their home soil. As well as playing the team, we'll have to battle their supporters, who are expected to pack the stadium.

"Brazil and Italy meanwhile are practically invincible. They have a massive amount of experience coupled with skill. And they make so few mistakes. Matching them will not be an easy job."