Veteran War Elephants... Over Thirty Years Old
The first FIFA Day warm-up matches after the Thai national team secured qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup final round are approaching.
Our two friendlies look promising, starting with a home game against the “Oil Tycoons” Kuwait on Friday evening, 5 June, at Pathum Thani Stadium (True BG Stadium) at 7:30 p.m.
Then the team will fly to play against China's mainland squad on Tuesday, 9 June, at 6:35 p.m. Thai time, at Jinhua Sports Center Stadium.
Both matches will be broadcast live nationwide via Thairath TV Channel 32, www.thairath.co.th/tv/live, and Facebook: Thairath TV www.facebook.com/ThairathTV.
Also on Thairath Sport www.facebook.com/ThairathSport and YouTube: Thairath Sport.
For the 23 War Elephants called up by coach Anthony Hudson for this occasion,
from the list, I still don't quite understand the English coach’s concept for the team.
It's unclear what approach he intends to use to build the new era of the Thai national team.
From the recent Asian Cup qualifiers, it’s clear the focus was on current ability and usage,
with players' ages being a secondary consideration.
Because we had no choice but to win the group to advance, and Coach Hudson passed this test.
Although it was nerve-wracking, especially when narrowly defeating the Turkish team just before time ran out,
once past that hurdle, what Thai football fans want to see next is
the building of a new national team for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers, the ultimate goal.
This will likely begin with preparing for the 2027 Asian Cup final round early next year,
giving the new generation Thai players a chance to compete against Asia’s top teams like Japan, Qatar, and Indonesia.
This will serve as a good benchmark to gauge the future potential of our War Elephants on the Asian stage.
Especially young players who will become key figures in next World Cup qualifying, gaining valuable experience against tough opponents.
But starting with the current FIFA Day squad selection, honestly, I can’t see which way Coach Hudson will go.
Almost half the 23-man squad called up are experienced veterans over 30 years old — 11 players in total.
From youngest to oldest: “Ton” Narubadin Weerawatnodom, a 31-year-old wing-back from Buriram United,
and goalkeeper “Mike” Patiwat Khammai from True Bangkok United, also 31.
At 32 years old, there’s Adisorn Promrak, a defender from Ratchaburi FC,
“New” Thitiphan Puangchan, a hard-working midfielder from Bangkok United,
“Safe” Suphanan Bureerat, an attacking full-back from Port FC,
Manuel Tom Bihr, a center-back known for his heading, recently joining Port FC,
“O” Saranon Anuin, a steadfast goalkeeper from BG Pathum United.
A bit older at 34 years are Nattapong Sairiya, a veteran defender from “Sharks” Chonburi FC,
and “Tang” Sarach Yooyen, an experienced midfielder from The Rabbit team.
Up to “Hia Mui” Teerasil Dangda, aged 37, who is nearly the eldest on the team.
Unless Coach Hudson surprises us by recalling “Na Keng” Surachai Saipim,
the 40-year-old veteran striker from Kratai Saiklong, returning to the national team after many years.
This came after young player Iklas Sanhorn of PT Prachuap was injured in the FA Cup final and had to withdraw.
Though logically, it would have made more sense to call up a similar-position player like Ben Davis as replacement.
This is not to say Surachai is not good.
In fact, he remains talented and deserves praise for maintaining excellent physical condition at his age.
Allowing him to still compete comfortably in the top league.
It’s just that I find the concept behind Coach Hudson’s new national team building a bit confusing.
How will he renew the team to meet the hopes of football fans nationwide in the future?
Without “rowing in circles”
and seeing our national team fail to progress after so many years and generations.
I hope Coach Anthony Hudson will avoid repeating the same mistakes... Amen!
- Bee Bangpakong -