AFF Cup 2024 ended with a significant disappointment for Thai football fans as the national team lost to Vietnam in both legs of the final. This defeat not only highlights shortcomings on the field but also signals the need for improvements if the “War Elephants” are to reclaim their top position in the region.
Thai media acknowledges the pain after the loss at the 2024 AFF Cup to Vietnam (Photo: Huong Duong).
Valuable Lessons from the 2024 AFF Cup
The defeat of Thailand’s national team at the 2024 AFF Cup was not entirely unexpected. The Thai newspaper Daily News pointed out that inadequate preparation and internal issues contributed to this forgettable result. Vietnam’s V-League took a one-month break to allow the national team to train extensively in South Korea, while Thailand’s team had only about 4-5 days of practice before the tournament. This clearly impacted their physical condition and performance.
Additionally, key players like Ben Davis, Supachok, and Ekanit were sidelined by injuries, weakening the team further. The case of Suphanat Mueanta, who played with a high fever, and the injuries of Teerasak Poeiphimai and Akarapong Pumwisat during the finals added to the team’s struggles.
Coach Masatada Ishii faced criticism for not fully utilizing the potential of young talents such as Kritsada Nontharat, Abhisit Soradha, and James Beresford. Fans are questioning his ability to build effective strategies and game plans.
A Transitional Era
Following the 2024 AFF Cup, Thailand’s national team enters a transitional phase. Veteran stars like Chanathip Songkrasin, Teerasil Dangda, Sarach Yooyen, and Teerathorn Bunmathan are gradually stepping down to make way for a promising younger generation. This presents both an opportunity and a significant challenge for Coach Masatada Ishii.
In 2025, Thailand will participate in several important tournaments, including the qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup. They are placed in a group with Turkmenistan, Chinese Taipei, and Sri Lanka—a relatively manageable group. However, Turkmenistan remains a direct competitor for the sole spot in the Asian tournament.
Daily News emphasizes the importance of better preparation for future tournaments (Photo: Huong Duong).
The Path Ahead
To improve their performance, Thailand needs to focus on three key areas: enhancing the quality of their domestic league, developing long-term plans for the national team, and nurturing young talent. Coach Masatada Ishii plays a crucial role in this process. If he fails to bring positive changes, his position will surely be under threat.
According to the schedule, Thailand will have a friendly match with Afghanistan in March 2025, followed by a match against Turkmenistan in June. The King’s Cup in September offers another chance to test the team’s lineup and strategies. Finally, the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers in October will be a true test for the “War Elephants.”
Conclusion
The defeat at the 2024 AFF Cup is a valuable lesson for Thai football. It is not the end but an opportunity for the team to restructure and rise stronger. With careful preparation and the right strategy, fans can look forward to a brighter future for the “War Elephants.” Stay tuned for the upcoming journey of Thailand’s national team to witness the transformation of Golden Land football.
Source: Daily News
