“At first, I was very shocked and surprised when the Singapore team scored 2 goals, and they were both very beautiful and spectacular goals. We tried to find out what happened. Especially in “Obviously, we had some problems, both offensively and defensively, which created opportunities for the Singapore team to score,” coach Masatada Ishii said at the press conference. After the match, the Thai team won the score against Singapore 4-2 in Group A AFF Cup 2024 (ASEAN Championship), December 17.
Coach Masatada Ishii in the friendly match between the Thai team and the Vietnamese team in September
The Japanese coach also revealed that he decided to let the players on the field adjust their playing style, after showing them the errors between the formation’s distance in attack and defense. reason, so that Singapore players can exploit and score goals.
“We have many young players who are growing up, and they have learned very quickly from mistakes. They have asserted themselves, finding ways to change their playing style appropriately. During the half 2, thank God, we turned the situation around and completely controlled the match,” coach Masatada Ishii emphasized.
In the match against the Singapore team, although the Thai players entered the game well and controlled the game, they suddenly let their opponents take a 2-0 lead with two stunning goals from Shawal and Faris in the 10th and 34th minutes. In the first half, Gustavsson shortened the score to 1-2 for “War Elephants” at 45+3 minutes. In the second half, player Suphanat Mueanta shined brightly when he scored to equalize the score at 2-2 in the 52nd minute, before contributing assists to the remaining 2 goals in stoppage time for Peeradon Chamratsamee and Teerasak scoring in the 90th minute. +3 and 90+15 to win again 4-2.
“The Thai team will not participate in the 2026 World Cup, we were eliminated early in the second qualifying round of the Asian region. Therefore, at this AFF Cup, I actively use as many young players as possible. Through That, to prepare for the 2030 World Cup.
Thailand’s young players are trying very hard, they think beyond their goals at the next World Cup. Up to now, I am very satisfied with the efforts of the entire team. We got into the semi-finals early, but I’m only thinking about the next match. I will definitely make a change in the squad, so that the remaining players have a chance to play,” coach Masatada Ishii added.
With the addition of Ekanit Panya, the Thai team’s attack will be very strong. Next to him, Suphachok Sarachat played very talentedly
Up to now, the Thai team has regularly used many young players to play in 3 group stage matches, such as Suphanat Mueanta, who is only 22 years old, has scored 3 goals and has been voted best player of the match twice. Strikers Patrik Gustavsson (23 years old) and Teerasak Poeiphimai (22 years old) also scored 3 goals.
While the two best stars, Ekanit Panya (25 years old) and Supachok Sarachat (26 years old), have not yet played, because they need to recover physically after the season in Japan. In the semi-finals, they will have the opportunity to compete, according to coach Masatada Ishii.
