World Cup Qualifying Thailand

Five Things Thailand Learned From Their 0-0 Draw in Hanoi

Thailand emerged from the most recent international break with just a solitary point out of a possible six. Their loss in Malaysia and their most recent 0-0 draw against Vietnam has left them third in what is shaping up to be a four-horse race for qualification. Qualification to the next round is not out of the question, but Thailand will need to learn the lessons from this last week quickly and carry them over into 2020 when the competition resumes. Football Tribe Thailand’s Obb Deewajin discusses those points in depth:

Theerathon Still the Best Player on the Pitch

Despite his missed penalty, something that doesn't happen often, Yokohama F. Marinos left-back Theerathon Bunmathan is still the best Thai player on the pitch. The 29-year-old technician returned from his suspension and completely transformed the team's composure. Compared to the Malaysian game, the War Elephants were far more comfortable and patient when playing out from the back - a crucial quality to have when faced with a Vietnamese side willing to stay compact, chase the opposition down, and attack on the break. Theerathon also put in a fine shift in defense and his set-piece delivery is as dangerous as ever.

Supachok & Ekanit Are Still Youngsters (With Big Potential)

Supachok Sarachat was one of the standout players when Vietnam drew 0-0 in Bangkok. Unluckily, nothing came off for the 21-year-old last night. Supachok was on the end of an ugly challenge early on and was stopped from playing with his favored right-foot all night. Another youngster, Ekanit Panya, also had a forgettable game. The Chiangrai United golden boy, who is usually a lethal finisher, missed to big chance to score and was also closed down by the home side all game. Young players tend to be inconsistent and we, as fans, must remember that Supachok & Ekanit are still young talents (even though they are league winners at this point). Wonderkids are still kids.

Nguyen Tien Linh is a Future Star

Veteran striker Nguyen Anh Duc is set to retire from international football after the World Cup Qualifiers against Thailand. The 34-year-old is a deadly finisher inside the box and in other circumstances, replacing Anh Duc may have been a huge topic of discussion. However, Nguyen Tien Linh's red hot form with the Golden Dragons has dissolved their worry entirely. In our preview, Tien Linh was highlighted as a real threat to the Thai defense thanks to his mobility and clinical finish. Tien Linh scored a beautiful left-footed shot that was ruled out for offside. Yet, one aspect many viewers may overlook is Tien Linh's hard work off the ball - closing down the opposition back four, making runs to open space for his teammates, etc.

First Choice Right-Back Position up for Grabs

Buriram United's Narubadin Weerawatnodom was awarded his first start under Nishino, and an inside source spoke of his impressive showing in training. It seems as though Nishino is yet to have his verdict on who is his first-choice right-back and so far has simply picked whoever best suits the opposition. Tristan Do, defensively the weakest of the three, is the most attack-minded and winger-like. Nitipong Selanon, the strongest defensively, can tuck inside to cover for the midfielders, and a good crosser from deep positions but lacks Tristan's ability to add width. Narubadin is the most well-rounded of the three and put in a fine performance at the My Dinh National Stadium. Question is, will Nishino be determined to find his first-choice right-back, or is he content with shifting around to match the opponents? 

Nishino Unsure With Substitutes

In both games versus Malaysia and Vietnam, Akira Nishino waited till the very end to make his change. Apart from Sarach Yooyen's 55th-minute substitution, all of Thailand's change all came in the final ten minutes of normal time. This may be down to Nishino being new to the job with only one friendly game, against Congo, to test out his options. And to be fair to the boss, players who impressed in the friendly (such as Nitipong Selanon) did get their chance to start in the official match. Not using your bench is a missed opportunity, but forcing an uncomfortable change could be even worse. Perhaps time and a couple of friendlies will give Nishino more trust in the whole squad.