The Thai national team has already received a 2 million baht bonus from “President Pang” Nuansap Lamsam.
For the Thai national football squad,
who secured the top spot in Group B and successfully advanced to the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-finals as planned,
they closed the group stage with an impressive record.
They won all four matches, earning a full 12 points, scored 10 goals against their opponents, and kept a clean sheet throughout.
This is an excellent result, a testament to the skill of their coach, Anthony Hudson.
Especially in the latest game, where they hosted and defeated Myanmar 2-0.
The goals came from “Jay Gym” Worachit Kanitsribampen, who scored a penalty in the first half,
and Jehanafi Mama, a young striker who scored his first goal for the senior national team.
He also earned the “Player of the Match” award.
However, if asked about the overall gameplay, it must be said it was very poor.
Playing at home, they spent most of the match focusing on defending against the visitors from Yangon.
How could that happen!?
Yet it did, entirely due to the English coach's tactics.
He had used the same approach once before during a friendly match where Thailand managed a 0-0 draw away against China.
The focus was on a very defensive, frustrating style that annoyed older fans nationwide!
That said, although Coach Hudson’s methods may not please everyone,
they have produced the desired results in nearly every match.
So no one can really criticize him!
In the win over Myanmar, the most satisfying aspect wasn’t just the victory.
It was resting four key players who had yellow card warnings: Yotsakorn Burapha, Kakhana Kamyok, Teerasak Pheepimai, and Seksan Ratri.
This was the most important achievement, and Coach Hudson fulfilled his mission completely.
These four players were not risked on the field, and Thailand still won without facing suspensions in the semi-final.
That was truly outstanding!
Looking ahead to the two-legged semi-final against Singapore on 15 and 18 August,
we hope to see clearer and better tactics from Coach Anthony Hudson than before.
With just three days between home and away matches in the semi-finals,
sharp strategy and tactics will be crucial.
Additionally, managing the team and players effectively across both matches is very important.
Whether Coach Hudson’s mixed War Elephants will sail smoothly or choke under pressure,
we will soon find out!
- Bee Bangpakong -