Qatar Thailand have yet to concede a goal since the start of the tournament, after drawing 0-0 with Oman, in the second match of Group F of the 2023 Asian Cup.
Thailand only had possession for 30% of the game, but that didn’t mean they were overwhelmed. Coach Masatada Ishii directed his players to actively play defensive counter-attacks, aiming to earn a point, which would be enough to put them in a position to advance. The Thai defense continued to play solidly, keeping another clean sheet, and frustrating Oman’s attacking efforts.
Thailand captain Theerathon Bunmathan (right) shields striker Issam Al Sabhi during the second leg of Group F of the 2023 Asian Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar on January 21, 2024. Photo: Lam Thoa
The average height of Thailand's starting lineup in this match is 1.798 m, which is equivalent to the tournament average. Although considering the whole team's parameters, Thailand is the second shortest in the tournament, with 1.763 m, after Vietnam. Oman is ranked 74th in FIFA, 39 places higher than Thailand, but the performance on the field does not reflect that.
Both teams had just six shots in this match, most of which were unthreatening. Thailand's chances were even better, with an expected goals of 0.56, meaning their six shots had a combined chance of scoring 56%. Oman's was just 49%, according to Opta .
Thailand played better, and also created the most dangerous opportunity in the first half. In the 16th minute, defender Theerathon Bunmathan took a left corner kick, allowing 1.95m tall center back Elias Dolah to rush in and head the ball close to the goal, hitting the Omani goalkeeper and bouncing off. The Thai coaching staff stood up but were disappointed, with a chance that had a 36% chance of scoring. This was also the most dangerous situation of the match.
Oman also had a similar chance, when midfielder Jameel Al Yahmadi climbed the right wing and crossed for striker Issam Al Sabhi to shoot in a difficult position, hitting goalkeeper Patiwat in the 20th minute. Sabhi's shot had a 29% chance of scoring, the second highest in the match.
Main events of the match.
The second half was even tighter, with Oman not taking too many risks in pushing their formation high to find a goal, while Thailand continued to defend with a low formation. The Thai defense with the 1.93m tall center-back duo Elias Dolah and Pansa Hemviboon neutralized all crosses from Oman. The West Asian team's "fly-hovering" corner kick tactic, which had caused many difficulties for Vietnam in the third qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup, was now ineffective against the tall Thai defense.
The only blemish for Thailand in this match was captain defender Theerathon Bunmathan receiving a yellow card for kicking an opponent in the ankle, which means he will be suspended for the final match against Saudi Arabia on January 25. However, Thailand could have secured their place in the next round before this match takes place.
After two matches, Thailand have not conceded a goal, have four points and are guaranteed to finish in the top three of Group F. Four points is usually enough for a third-placed team to qualify for the next round, according to the Asian Cup format.
Quang Dung - Hoang An
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