Suphanat radiantly practices on Viet Tri field, Thailand has a factor even stronger than… Xuan Son

Thailand light exercise, refreshing spirit

On the afternoon of January 1, 2025, the Thai team had their only training session at Viet Tri Stadium, preparing for the first leg of the AFF Cup 2024 final. Coming to Vietnam late due to a fever, hero Suphanat went to the training field with his teammates in a very good mental state. The away team only practiced lightly under the close supervision of Coach Ishii.

The Thai players appeared quite relaxed and ready for the big match against Vietnam at 8:00 p.m. on January 2.

Head coach of the Thai national team at Viet Tri stadium on January 1

Suphanat is healthy again

Suphanat just arrived in Vietnam on the morning of January 1.

Thai players have good physique

What is special about Thailand?

In defense, the Thai team did not dare to experiment like in previous matches. Coach Masatada Ishii (Japanese) of the Thai team used a pair of central defenders with a lot of international experience, including Pansa Hemviboon and Chalermsak Aukkee to face the Philippines. After "assembling" these central defenders into his squad, the Japanese coach who is leading the team of the Golden Temple country also revealed the best framework of the Thai team at the AFF Cup.

'Jonathan Khemdee is even stronger than Xuan Son', a Thai player commented

This framework consists of goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai (1.86 m) standing in the goal. The central defenders are Pansa Hemviboon (1.90 m) and Chalermsak Aukkee (1.86 m). The central midfielders of the Thai team are Weerathep Pomphan (1.82 m) and William Weidersjo (1.82 m). Playing highest in the Thai tactical diagram is the center forward Patrik Gustavsson (1.84 m).

It is not difficult to see that the vertical frame from the goalkeeper, to the center back, the central midfielder and at the top is the center forward of the Thai team, which is very tall. Their physique is no different from a European team. Former coach of the U.23 Vietnam team, Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan commented: "I am impressed with the physique of the Thai players. If in the past, Thailand only used players with physical advantages in the center back position, now they use many players with good physique in many different positions. This is a modern development mindset, aiming for big playgrounds".

Good physique, that's why Thai national team's center back Chalermsak Aukkee said he and his teammates are not afraid of center forward Nguyen Xuan Son of the Vietnamese national team. Chalermsak Aukkee said: "I don't know how strong Xuan Son is, but the Thai national team has center back Jonathan Khemdee who is stronger than Xuan Son."

Thailand's "secret weapon" gradually revealed

Jonathan Khemdee was used from the second half of the second half of the Thailand vs Philippines semi-final second leg on the evening of December 30. This player entered the field to enhance his ability to defend high balls and increase the ability to compete for the Thai team. Jonathan Khemdee is tall (1.90 m), has a clear advantage in 1-on-1 situations with opposing strikers.

Xuan Son will be closely marked by Thai players

Around the strong physical and physical axis, the Thai team added more technicians, to help their playing style become more smooth and diverse. Striker Suphanat Mueanta, midfielders Worachit Kanitsribampen, Ben Davis, or Supachok Sarachat are players with very good individual techniques. They are good at dribbling past people, good at coordinating on the field, helping the Thai team's playing style become more diverse.

The away team has a very strong mentality after what they showed in the group stage and semi-finals of the AFF Cup 2024.

Among them, Supachok Sarachat is expected to replace the role of midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin in the Thai team. After not playing a single minute in the entire group stage, Supachok Sarachat appeared more and more in the two semi-final matches against the Philippines. That proves that Thailand coach Masatada Ishii wants to use Supachok Sarachat for the most intense stage of the 2024 AFF Cup. Therefore, the Vietnamese team needs to be more vigilant against the opponent.

The positive sign is that after Thailand revealed its strongest lineup, the Vietnamese team may have also seen the strengths and weaknesses of the Thai team. The important thing for us in the final match is the plan to stop the opponent, while at the same time promoting our strongest points.

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/suphanat-rang-ro-tap-tren-san-viet-tri-thai-lan-co-nhan-to-con-khoe-hon-ca-xuan-son-185241231164911536.htm