Thailand head coach Alexandre Polking remained optimistic, stating that the Changsuek‘s chances of securing a World Cup spot were not out of reach, despite their loss to Iraq in the 2023 King’s Cup final in Chiang Mai on Sunday night on penalties.
2007 AFC Asian Cup champions Iraq clinched victory 5-4 in the shootout, following a 2-2 draw with hosts Thailand after 90 minutes at Chiangmai’s 700th Anniversary Stadium.
Despite a 30-minute delay due to rain, the Changsuek managed to equalize Iraq’s lead twice during the match. In their initial matches of the four-team tournament, Iraq also triumphed over India in penalties, while Thailand secured a 2-1 victory against Lebanon.
Iraq took the lead after six minutes with a close-range strike from striker Aymen Hussein. Thailand responded, equalizing in the 37th minute thanks to a well-placed header by Thai-Norwegian defender Nicholas Mickelson. In the second half, Iraq’s Amjed Attwan scored in the 65th minute, giving his team a 2-1 lead.
A determined Thailand fought back, with Bordin Phala scoring another header in the 82nd minute, just moments after Iraq goalkeeper Fahad Talib saved veteran striker Teerasil Dangda’s penalty.
Teerasil wasn’t among Thailand’s first five penalty takers. Polking commented, “We performed admirably against Asia’s seventh-ranked team. Our World Cup goal is achievable. With a full squad, it’s a matter of confidence.”
Thailand were without several key players, including Chanathip Songkrasin, Supachai Chaided, Suphanat Mueanta, Phitiwat Sukjitthammakul, and Manuel Bihr, for the 49th King’s Cup.
“The World Cup is our objective. We need a clear plan and readiness for the task,” emphasized German-Brazilian coach Polking. Thailand will kick off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in November, never having made it to the World Cup finals before.
The last time Thailand won the King’s Cup was in 2017, and they finished third the previous year. Additionally, Thailand manager Nualphan Lamsam confirmed that Polking would remain in charge of the team at least until his current contract expires in 2024. Reports suggesting a potential replacement by technical chief Masatada Ishii were dismissed by Nualphan, who affirmed that Polking and Ishii have a harmonious working relationship.