Examining the weaknesses of the Thai national team through the draw with the Philippine national team
The defending champions have the league's best attack with 11 goals to their name, as of yesterday's game. They also have a quality midfield and a solid defense. However, a different story is unfolding with the goalkeeper position - Fox Sports Asia points out.
The Philippines may have found the secret to taking on Thailand:Thailand has always been considered the "giant" of Southeast Asian football. Even without some key players playing abroad, they are still considered the number one candidate because of the quality of their squad and the fact that they are playing for the top clubs in the country.
However, at home in Panaad (Bacolod City), the Philippines played evenly, and could have even taken a two-goal lead if they had taken full advantage of their first-half chances. The biggest thing for the Philippines was belief. Even when they were behind, they still played their way and were eventually rewarded with an equalizer late in the second half.
Goalkeeper could be Thailand's weak point:The reigning champions have the league’s best attack with 11 goals to their name, as of yesterday’s game. They also have a quality midfield and a solid defence. However, it’s a different story with the goalkeeper position.
Despite his good form for Buriram United, Siwarak Tedsungnoen has yet to show much for the national team, especially in the match against Indonesia. When given the chance, second choice Chatchai Budprom could not do better, even making a mistake that led to the Philippines' equalizer. Both of them clearly cannot be compared to Kawin Thamsatchanan (playing in Belgium).
Alvaro Silva (third from left) is the new star of the Philippines:After being given the green light to play for the Philippines national team, the Spanish-born midfielder immediately got a starting position. Not disappointing the fans, Alvaro Silva quickly teamed up with Carli de Murga to form an effective defensive duo against the Thai attack. With what he has just shown, the player from Malaga Club will likely continue to shine.
Thailand's tactical change backfires:When playing against the Philippines, coach Milovan Rajevac changed his tactical formation from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3, which meant sacrificing the role of the player leading the play. However, this was a mistake because Thailand did not create enough pressure on the opponent's midfield. Not only could the Philippines push their defense into the middle of the field, but the midfield pair Manny Ott - Stephan Schrock also did not have to endure much pressure.
Indonesia is the loser after the Philippines - Thailand match:The 2016 runners-up did not play in the last round, but they were the most upset. With the two top teams tied and both on seven points, Indonesia had to accept elimination with only three points and only one match left. The final match against the Philippines was just a formality for the team from the archipelago.
