Bangkok Spygate incident!
On the evening of the 3rd of September, a photo of the Thai team training was posted on a Vietnam’s website, sending social media into chaos. It was later revealed that the photo was taken from a hotel room, 500 meters away from the stadium, by one of the visitors’ press. After investigation, those responsible for this spy gate incident was stripped of their media passes and an official complaint was filed to the FIFA as suggested by the match commissioner. FAT president Pol.Gen. Somyot Poompanmoung also asked all Vietnamese press staying in that same hotel to relocate to a lower floor.
CS10?
Chanathip Songkrasin was given the number 10 shirt ahead of the game against Vietnam, a number formerly belonging to striker Teerasil Dangda. Chanathip stated that he accepted the change of number, abandoning the #18 he donned for club and country previously, accepting the number of out of respect for his senior teammate and in reference to his idol, Diego Maradona. Other notable number updates saw Supachok Sarachart get the Number 7 shirt, possibly indicating a bigger role in the squad for the budding star, while 19-year-old Ekanit Panya will take over Chanathip’s old number.
Nishino urges War Elephants to be brave in the final third
Nishino insisted in his pre-match conference that every player must help out in the final third – and to avoid putting too much pressure on the forward alone. The former Japanese national team head coach also touched on the youngsters’ nervousness when teaming up with senior players. Adding that he understands the culture aspect of the issue but encourage everyone to express themselves regardless of their age.