Thailand's 'War Elephants' national team, coached by Anthony Hudson, met their objectives in both matches.
They went on to thrash Laos 5-0 in Vientiane.
They then returned home to Rajamangala Stadium to defeat the 'Yellow Tigers,' Malaysia, 2-0.
With six full points secured, Thailand's chances of winning Group B and advancing to the 2026 ASEAN Cup semifinals look very promising.
Importantly, these two victories have added 2.73 points to Thailand's FIFA ranking total.
This breaks down into 0.99 points from the Laos match and 1.74 points from the recent Malaysia game.
Thailand's current FIFA score is now 1,253.53, surpassing Benin, which has no scheduled matches.
This moves Thailand up one spot from 94th to a temporary 93rd place worldwide.
In the next game on Wednesday, 4 Aug, if the Thai team can beat the Philippine squad, the 'Azkal' at their home ground, they will not only guarantee progression to the next round,
but their world ranking will also improve to 91st place.
Given the impressive form and clear hunger for victory shown by the current squad,
Nuannaphan Lamsam, known as 'President Pang,' who personally encouraged the players at the Malaysia match,
has already announced a 2 million baht bonus if the team finishes as group champions after four matches, meeting the set goal.
I previously wrote in a Thairath Newspaper Column before the ASEAN Cup tournament began that
Coach Hudson and the Football Association should address the problem of calling up players for tournaments that do not coincide with FIFA international match windows.
They should turn this challenge into an opportunity by relying on young players from the Thailand U-23 team as the tournament's core.
The focus should be to use this stage to build experience and resilience for these young players,
without the pressure that 'Thailand must win the championship,' just encouraging them to give their all in every match and play at full throttle.
The English coach has done an excellent job in the past two matches.
The mixed War Elephants squad scored seven goals while maintaining clean sheets in both games.
Although giving young players the chance to show their potential may result in some rough edges and occasional awkward moments,
overall, I consider the team to have passed with good to very good marks almost across the board.
Especially the four forwards, who have been effective in unsettling opposing defenses.
'Captain Mix' Yotsakorn Burapha confidently converted a penalty to defeat the Yellow Tigers.
'Ton' Theerathorn Pheupimai continued his scoring streak for the second consecutive match.
Likewise, 'Seafour' Khokana Kamyok, currently one of the most sought-after players,
and 'Golf' Seksan Ratri, who has more senior national team experience than any of the U-23 players,
mean the Thai attack line is well covered and reliable.
There are still several quality options available for selection in the future.
Behind these important victories in the last two games, which have received less attention,
is the solid and dependable performance of the back four and goalkeeper.
Especially 'Ice' Kampon Pathomakkakul, the first-choice goalkeeper, who has kept a clean sheet for all 180 minutes he has played.
He also made a crucial super save late in the game against Malaysia.
The veteran center-back duo of Natthaphong Sairiya and Manuel Tom Bihr played strongly and did not disappoint.
Right-back 'Ton' Narubadin Weerawatnodom remains reliable both offensively and defensively.
The only change in defense was at left-back, where coach Hudson gave starting opportunities to 'Usamma Tiangkam' instead of Wanchai Jarunongkran.
This is an investment in the future for the left wing-back position, which is truly rare for Thailand in the current era.
Especially considering the high standard set by senior player 'Ko Udom' Theerathon Boonmatan in the War Elephants jersey,
a standard that is difficult to match.
This 22-year-old dual-national player, whose father is Thai and mother Moroccan, made his first start for the senior national team.
While his debut was not particularly eye-catching, Usamma possesses tall stature, strength, and composure beyond his years.
His playing style is marked by bold dribbling, aggressive forward runs, and relentless effort throughout the full 90 minutes.
I have observed these strengths since he was part of the Thailand U-23 squad competing in the Asian Cup earlier this year.
Thanks are due to 'Coach Tia' Sasom Pobprasert, the skillful developer at PT Prachuap FC,
and 'Coach Wang' Thawat Damrong-Ongtrakul, head coach of the U-23 War Elephants,
who have nurtured this 'precious gem' to rise to the senior national team at the right time and place.
If anyone is to step up as the new left-back to replace Theerathon Boonmatan,
the player wearing number 13, 'Usamma Tiangka,' seems the most suitable candidate.
That seems most appropriate indeed!
- Bee Bangpakong -