In the history of the AFF Cup (now the ASEAN Championship), no team has ever won the championship three times in a row. The Thai team has won the most 7 times, including 3 consecutive championships in 2000 and 2002, 2014 and 2016, and the most recent 2020 and 2022. If they continue to win this year, it will be the first time they have won the biggest football tournament in Southeast Asia three times.
Thailand team (left) in the match against Vietnam team at LPBank Cup in September 2024.
PHOTO: INDEPENDENCE
"However, after the Thai team announced the list of participants in the AFF Cup 2024 on November 27, there were many people who underestimated them. The reason is that the "War Elephants" participating in this year's tournament were missing a series of veteran stars who are familiar names.
Specifically, Chanathip Songkrasin, Teerasil Dangda, Theerathon Bunmathan or experienced players Sarach Yooyen, Kritsada Kaman and Supachai Jaided. These are quite significant absences. Besides, the reason why clubs in Thai League 1 do not release players is because the AFF Cup is not included in the FIFA Days schedule, making it impossible for the Thai team to have the best players.
However, do not think that this will be a transitional tournament for the Thais. They still have excellent factors that are among the top in the country's football today. The pair of players Supachok Sarachat and Ekanit Panya will be very promising stars to help the Thai team enter a new era with more promise.
These are two players currently playing in Japan's top league (J1 League). Supachok Sarachat is still playing for Consadole Sapporo, while Ekanit Panya has just left Urawa Red Diamonds to return home to play for Muangthong United," Gabriel Tan said in his latest article on ESPN Asia.
"Not only that, Supachok Sarachat's younger brother Suphanat Mueanta has just returned to Buriram United after a period of playing in the Belgian National Championship for OH Leuven. The Thai team's midfield currently has experienced players such as Weerathep Pomphan, Worachit Kanitsribampen and Peeradon Chamratsamee, while Seksan Ratree (21 years old) is young but full of promise. Obviously, the strength of the Thai team has not decreased, on the contrary, these are the best people they currently have at their best stage.
The only questionable point is the defense with veteran center-back Pansa Hemviboon, the rest are mostly inexperienced players with less than 10 caps for the national team. But in the goal of the "War Elephants" is still the excellent goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai. Therefore, the lack of experience will only be a small concern," Gabriel Tan emphasized.
Also according to Gabriel Tan: "The quality of Thai players is unquestionable. Coach Masatada Ishii's use of a squad consisting mostly of rising players shows that he has great confidence in their abilities. It will not be surprising if some less familiar names will be used regularly at this year's AFF Cup as an opportunity to make their mark."
"The 2024 AFF Cup is also a stepping stone for the new Thai team to aim for a place in the 2027 Asian Cup with the third qualifying round taking place in March 2025. Even so, the biggest goal for the Thais is still the third consecutive regional championship," Gabriel Tan concluded.
At the 2024 AFF Cup, Thailand is in Group A with Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia and East Timor. The "War Elephants" are expected to be the group winners because the remaining opponents are not strong. Meanwhile, in Group B are Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos. The tournament will take place from December 8 and end on January 5, 2025.
Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 is broadcast live and in full on FPT Play, at: http://fptplay.vn
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/aff-cup-2024-danh-gia-thap-doi-tuyen-thai-lan-la-tu-chuoc-hoa-vao-than-185241204120914123.htm
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