Has the Thai national team transformed under Nishino?

In addition to the difficulty of having too little time to prepare for the match against Vietnam, Mr. Akira Nishino does not have many players to play as a center forward.

Currently, in Thai-League 1 and V.League, most of the players are foreign players, so both teams have difficulty finding players with killer instinct. That is also the reason why Mr. Akira Nishino uses a false striker in the 4-1-2-1-2 formation, a variation of the 4-4-2 tactic, with the midfielder playing in a diamond shape.

Technical statistics of the match between Thailand and Vietnam. Photo: AT

Thailand plays pragmatically

The Japanese coach's choice of Tanaboon Kesarat (Bangkok Port), who is 1.82m tall, as a defensive midfielder shows the new coach's insight. Tanaboon Kesarat supported the two central defenders Tom Bihr and Hemviboon to block Quang Hai, separating Tien Linh from his teammates.

Thailand's ball possession time on the fieldThammasat only had 51%, less than in the match against Vietnam at King's Cup 2019, stemming from coach Akira Nishino's tactical perspective. It seems that the Japanese coach has more respect for the opponent, right after losing the ball, even the attacking triangle Chanathip, Supachok, Thitiphan also had to fight for the ball.

The match was broken up by players from both teams with tackles that were designed to block and disrupt the opponent's play. In 90 minutes of play, the referee had to blow the whistle 23 times after fouls from both sides, of which Thailand had 14 fouls.

It must be said that referee Al Adba was quite lenient, especially with the home team's tough plays. However, Thitiphan, Theerathon, Tristan Do and Tanaboon had some tricks that made the Vietnamese players lie down on the field in pain, showing that the Thai team, "Akira Nishino version", played quite pragmatically.

Mr. Nishino used an experienced player like Thitiphan to play dirty tricks to disrupt the Vietnamese team's play, only to get injured and leave the field early. Peeradon Chamratsamee, who replaced Thitiphan, did not change his play style and limped off at the end of the match, showing that the Thai team had the intention of playing rough to limit the technical play of the Vietnamese team.

Midfielder Supachok Sarachat was voted by the Organizing Committee for the title of Best Player of the match. Photo: FAT

More diverse attacks

In terms of attack, the “War Elephants” used many situations of passing and quickly attacking on both sides and then suddenly turning the ball or dribbling inside. The attacking tactics were completely exposed and deployed very smoothly and sharply. The two strikers Supachok, Thitiphan and midfielder Chanathip were ordered to shoot from afar more.

Entering the Vietnam - Thailand match, the home team's players had not had much practice time together, but the number of 7 shots, 2 on target of the Thai team was better than the 4 shots, 1 on target of the Vietnamese team.

A match that neither coach Akira Nishino nor Park Hang-seo wanted to lose, so throughout the 90 minutes there were only 3 clear chances, of which 2 belonged to the Thai team, which accurately reflected the actual situation on the field. Midfielder wearing the number 7 shirt Supachok Sarachat continuously had breakthroughs on the left wing, and defeated Do Duy Manh to create delicious opportunities for the home team.

Conductor of U22 Thailand

To be fair, coach Nishino’s players almost completely controlled the midfield area. “Thai Messi” Chanathip and his teammates continuously pressured the visitors with diverse and quite sharp attacks. In his second time wearing the national team jersey, 21-year-old player Supachok, despite playing on the left wing, still repeatedly penetrated deep into the right wing of the Vietnam team.

Supachok being voted the best player of the match shows that Thai football is "the bamboo is not old yet, the bamboo shoots have grown". Having played Thai-League 1 for 5 years in the colors of champion Buriram United, this player has a future that can completely surpass his senior Chanathip. Surely he will be the conductor of U22 Thailand at the upcoming 30th SEA Games.

The Vietnamese players also had a successful match when they won 1 point, but we also had to work very hard to maintain that point. This signals a very interesting rematch at My Dinh Stadium, to be exact, Mr. Park has a strong opponent on the technical bench. Although they could not beat the Vietnamese team, the Thai people can hope for the "Nishino era".