Thailand won 3-2, coach Hudson defended Jude Soonsup-Bell
Thailand beat Singapore 3-2 on FIFA Days. In the 90+6 minute, Jude Soonsup-Bell earned a penalty but his shot was blocked by Mohamad Izwan bin Mahbud in the middle of the goal; Coach Hudson still defended him.
In the 90+6 minute in Singapore, Jude Soonsup-Bell won the ball back from a mistake by the home defender and won a penalty for Thailand. The former Chelsea and Tottenham striker took responsibility but his shot into the middle of the goal was blocked by goalkeeper Mohamad Izwan bin Mahbud with his foot. Despite missing the chance to make it 4-2, Thailand still ended the friendly match with a 3-2 victory thanks to goals from Sarach Yooyen, Theerathon Bunmathan and Seksan Ratree.
Penalty 90+6 and Jude Soonsup-Bell's debut moment
In the most notable moment of the match, Jude Soonsup-Bell broke free after stealing the ball, was fouled in the box and the referee immediately pointed to the 11m mark. Deciding to take the penalty himself, he chose to shoot straight down the middle but was indecisive, allowing Izwan to block it with his foot. Immediately after, Jude appeared disappointed, holding his head in regret and not being able to follow the ball back up a second time. The final score was still 3-2 for the "War Elephants".
What did coach Hudson say about the penalty kicker?
"We don't have a plan for who will take the penalty, but for Jude to take the role. This is good because he is a new player who needs to adapt and in the past he has also taken the penalty role. If Jude Soonsup-Bell takes this role, he will create positive moments for the players and the fans, as well as build his confidence."
Coach Hudson's comments reveal the larger goal of the decision: to help a rookie integrate and inspire confidence through psychologically weighty moments like the final penalty kick.
Jude Soonsup-Bell's Debut and Profile
Jude Soonsup-Bell, 21, was born in England to an English father and a Thai mother. He represented England at youth level from U15 to U19 between 2019 and 2021. At club level, Jude played for Chelsea's academy in the 2021/22 season and made his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup against Brentford, before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2023. He currently plays for Grimsby Town in League Two.
The Football Association of Thailand said FIFA had sent a certificate confirming Jude Soonsup-Bell was eligible to play for the Thai national team in matches at both AFC and FIFA levels. His debut against Singapore was therefore a milestone, despite the regret of missing a penalty.
Main events and background of the friendly match
The match took place on the evening of November 13 during FIFA Days. Thailand took the lead thanks to goals from Sarach Yooyen, Theerathon Bunmathan and Seksan Ratree to beat Singapore 3-2. The score could have been extended to 4-2 if the penalty in the 90+6 minute had been successfully converted.
Selected statistics
- Score: Thailand 3-2 Singapore
- Penalty time: minute 90+6
- Penalty taker and taker: Jude Soonsup-Bell
- Goalkeeper: Mohamad Izwan bin Mahbud
- Goal scorers for Thailand: Sarach Yooyen, Theerathon Bunmathan, Seksan Ratree
