World Cup Qualifying Thailand

Five Things Thailand Learned From Akira Nishino’s First Game

By: , September 6, 2019 6:41 pm

Thailand took to the field for their first game of 2022 World Cup qualifying, facing rivals Vietnam at the Thammasat Stadium. This encounter also marked the first game for new boss Akira Nishino. The 0-0 scoreline ultimately left fans frustrated, but with something to build on in the coming weeks. Football Tribe Thailand’s Obb Deewajin looks at the five things the War Elephants can take away from the experience.

New Captain Faces Up to Stern Test

Buriram United's goalkeeper Siwarak Tedsungnoen has been honored with the captains' armband, for the first time in his international career, ahead of group G's clash between Thailand and Vietnam. The 35-year-old was tested right away when the visitor put a shot wide across goal - just 21 seconds into the game! Yet that didn't seem to faze Siwarak who kept his cool all tonight - punching away crosses and using his feet well.

Playing Out From The Back

Head coach Akira Nishino opted to start Manuel Bihr and Pansa Hemviboon as his first centreback partnership. Pansa misjudge the bounce of the ball and almost awarded Vietnam the lead in the first minute. The Buriram United defend struggled to play out from the back, making it easy for the visitors to stayed compact and waiting to pounce on to every misplace pass. If Nishino wants a ball-playing defender, like he stated in his post-match conference, then maybe Adisorn Promrak would be more suited than Pansa.

Nishino's Lopsided Diamond Formation

Thailand played with a standard back-4 with right-back Tristan Do, bombing forward, adding width. On the opposite flank, "forward" Supachok Sarachat hugs the touchline, carrying out the same job, with left-back Theerathon Bunmathan linking plays from slightly inside. Sarach Yooyen and Tabanoon Kesarat hold the central position as a double-pivot, allowing Chanathip Songkrasin to roam free from the number 10 space. Giving energy and vertical movement is 2 box-to-box midfield Phitiwat Sukjitthammakul (central-left channel) and Thitipan Puangchan (right channel, inside of Tristan Do). Time will tell if Nishino sticks with this formation in the future but, for the first time in a long while, there is something to be tactically excited about.

Rising Star Supachok Puts in Great Performance

Supachok Sarachat featured in both of Thailand's Kings Cup matches and was the standout player in his second start for the War Elephants against Vietnam. The Buriram United attacking midfielder was a constant threat with his pace and power from the left. Supachok registered 4 take-on (more than any Thai players), almost with a right-foot curler towards the end of the first half and had his shot block from the line in the dying seconds of the game.

Thai Fans Appreciate Bravery

Thai fans are taking to Nishino's bravery. When midfielders Thitipan Puangchan and Phitiwat Sukjitthammakul was forced off injured, Nishino didn't send on safety option. Instead, he went with the more attacking Peeradol Chamratsamee and Sivakorn Tiatrakul. The latter nearly provide the match-winning assist. After the final whistle, conversation amongst home fans revolved both around their dissatisfaction at the result and their appreciation Nishino's brave and positive approach. All in all, a decent home debut for the new boss.