Powerful 'weapon' of Thailand and Philippines team faces difficulties in semi-finals

Thailand coach is extremely confident

Right after the comeback win over Cambodia in the final round of Group A a few days ago, Thailand coach Masatada Ishii shared: "I don't particularly want to know which team Thailand will meet, or want to avoid any team in the semi-finals. Thailand has passed the group stage as the leading team, but there are still 4 more matches ahead. We want to win all 4 matches." Coach Ishii is very confident in the ability of the team he is leading, as he is thinking early on about the final and the championship in the regional tournament.

After the group stage, the Thai team broke two records of the biggest tournament in Southeast Asia: the biggest win ever when defeating Timor Leste 10-0; scored the most goals in the group stage in history, since the AFF Cup was first held in 1996. In 4 matches in Group A, Thailand scored 18 goals.

Suphanat Mueanta (10) is considered Thailand's most important player at the moment.

Coming to the semi-finals of the AFF Cup 2024, Thailand is definitely considered the "upper hand" compared to the Philippines. However, the "war elephants" will face some difficulties in the first leg of the semi-final on December 27 at Rizal Memorial Stadium (Manila, Philippines). The Philippines' home field has an artificial turf surface, so the hardness and bounce of the ball will be much different from natural grass. These factors will greatly affect the Thai players, who have a technical playing style.

Outstanding human resources

Thailand will not have Chanathip Songkrasin, Theerathon Bunmathan, Teerasil Dangda in the AFF Cup. Even stars playing in Japan's highest league (J-League 1) such as Supachok Sarachat and Ekanit Panya, despite having joined the team, will not be able to play in any match at the 2024 AFF Cup due to poor health. But it can be seen that Thailand is still formidable. The "War Elephants" are the team with the most balanced force and a diverse playing style. Many positions in coach Ishii's squad can create breakthroughs and score goals at important moments of the match. The proof is that up to 9 players of the Golden Temple team have scored after 4 group stage matches. Suphanat Mueanta, Patrik Gustavsson and Teerasak Poiephimai each have 3 goals; while Pumwiset, Davis and Ratree have 2 goals each...

Highlight Thailand 3-2 Cambodia | ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024

Suphanat Mueanta is Thailand's most important player at the moment. The striker born in 2002 is not very tall, but is very strong in technique, speed and especially physical strength. If coach Ishii continues to build him into a core player in the game, Suphanat Mueanta could become the key for Thailand to decode the Philippines in the semi-finals.

The Philippines' defense has many similarities with Singapore's, with players with good physiques. The tall defenders are strong in one-on-one duels and good at defending high balls, but they are not flexible. Just look at how Suphanat Mueanta tormented the Singapore defense to help Thailand make a spectacular comeback to win 4-2, and coach Ishii can apply this when facing the Philippines. The "War Elephants" will probably continue to maintain a fast-paced style of play in the opponent's half. From there, Suphanat Mueanta's acceleration to sneak behind the opponent's defense, or go down the wing and pass to the second line/cross will be Thailand's powerful "weapons" in the semi-finals.

Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 is broadcast live and in full on FPT Play, at: http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/aff-cup-vu-khi-loi-hai-cua-doi-tuyen-thai-lan-philippines-gap-kho-o-ban-ket-185241223212142413.htm