Then came the final match, a chance for Nishino to salvage something from this tournament by putting on a good performance against arch-rivals Malaysia.
League, then Supachok Sarachat is arguably the ready-made next in line - such is the similarities in their playing styles.
The squad has the likes of Thai-English rising star Benjamin Davis, Kevin Deeromram, Supachok, Supachai Chaided while Suphanat Mueanta will join the team later.