Southeast Asia Thailand

Thailand 4-2 Indonesia – The View from Thailand

By: , November 19, 2018 11:03 am
Credit – @changsuek

Football Tribe Thailand’s Obb Deewajin explains five things that we learned about Thailand after their 4-2 victory over Indonesia on home soil. Find out here:

Adisak Kraisorn Continues his Great Start

The tournament's top scorer add another goal to his tally in this match, taking his total to 7 goals in just 2 games. Adisak had a frustrating game due to Indonesia's deep defensive block, which limited his playing space, but he still managed to score with his one and only real chance.

Thailand Must be Better Prepared Mentally

Thailand started off carelessly and gave Indonesia a deserved lead in the 29th minute of the game, and were lucky to bounce back and gain a 2-1 just before half time. Against a tougher opponent and at later stage in the competition when pressure is high, Thailand might not get so fortunate. The War Elephants are expected to win the competition, and to do so, they will need to start playing like champions. What Thailand do during these 90 minutes will be forever etched into the memories of millions of fans.

Reconsider Goalkeeping Options?

Despite being normally a reliable presence for seven-time Thai league champions, last night, for an unknown reason, Siwarak Tedsungnoen seemed very shaky, conceding two weak goals. Perhaps the occasion got to him, or maybe the lack of prior experience with this back four strained their communication. Nobody knows. Siwarak needs to improve against the Philippines or else it may be time for Chatchai Budprom to step in.

Forget Wingers - Overload the Midfield

Wingers Nurul Sriyankem and Mongkol Tossakrai both had a quiet game. The two positioned themselves wide, seeking to create space by stretching the opponent's shape, but ended up isolating themselves instead. The wingers were not offering any passing options centrally, and coach Milovan Rajevac decided to sub the pair off, switching Thailand's formation from 4-2-3-1 to a 4-1-2-1-2 (4-4-2 diamond). This allowed the War Elephants to outnumber Indonesia in the center of midfield, and was to key to Thailand's improved second-half performance. Centre-midfielder Pokklaw Anan, who came on as a substitute, even getting on the scoresheet.

No Theerathon, No Problem

For years, Theerathon Bunmathan has been one of Thailand's main talents, either at left-back or left-wing, and there is no denying that his absence has had an effect on Thailand's overall strength. However, Korrakot Wiriyaudomsiri has filled that massive void perfectly, first with with a solid performance in the friendly win against Hong Kong, and assist against Timor-Leste. In this match, he not only scored a goal directly from a corner kick, but he also took the free-kick that lead to Thailand's second goal.