Looking on the bright side, Thailand's mixed national team losing to Vietnam's full team is not a setback.
Before the ASEAN Cup tournament began, especially in the last two to three editions, the idea of "surpassing ASEAN" has gained traction. Many people want to give young players a chance and let those who rarely play as mainstays for the national team showcase their skills.
However, in the past, we have not done this seriously. From the players' perspective, there is still a mix of key players.
For example, in 2024, we still have Suphanat Mueanta, Supachok Sarachat, Nicholas Mickelson, Suphanan Bureerat, and Patiwat Khammai mixed with emerging talents like Sekson Ratri and Ben Davis.
But the 2026 ASEAN Cup squad, as I have mentioned before, includes seven players under 23 who have had continuous playtime: Sekson Ratri, Khakhana Khamyok, Yotsakorn Burapha, Teerasak Phaepimai, Usaamma Tiangkam, Waris Chuthong, and Chaipol Adton—not to mention Phichitchai Siakratok, who was called up but has yet to play.
Before this year's tournament, no one expected much from this Thai squad, but today they have reached the final. To me, they have done very well. We should not cling to the past, such as always needing to be superior to ASEAN rivals. Everything goes through ups and downs.
Looking at Vietnam, they paused their league to prepare for months. This squad has played together for several years, includes naturalized players, combined with native Vietnamese like Nguyen Xuan Son, Hendrio, Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Dinh Bach, Doan Van Hau, and goalkeeper Le Giang Patrick, a half-blood MVP in this game.
“Coach Zico” Kiatisuk Senamuang, former Thai national coach who led the team to two ASEAN titles, once said about this team that winning would be good, but not winning is also acceptable because this is a mixed squad.
I agree. Today we see Thailand’s new generation rising to replace veterans like Theerathon Bunmathan, Teerasil Dangda, Chanathip Songkrasin, and Sarach Yooyen. We can identify areas needing improvement or development only by giving them chances to play, which we have done now.
There are still 90 minutes left in football, so nothing is over yet. As a Thai football fan, I want to encourage all the players and secretly believe that if we score early in the second match, the opportunity to come back and win the championship remains open. Though not easy, there is still hope.
Wishing all the best to the Thai national team.
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