Thailand destroys Sri Lanka, takes control of Asian Cup 2027 ticket

584749914-1381115696702597-8623942530933212025-n-8031.jpg — Soonsup-Bell (No. 17) plays the role of Thai hero.

In their second encounter with the "weakest team in Asia", Thailand did not struggle as much as in the first leg. Chanathip Songkrasin and his teammates quickly took the initiative in Sri Lanka's half and scored the opening goal in the 7th minute through Thanawat Suengchitthawon.

The remaining three goals of Thailand were scored by Jude Soonsup-Bell (65th minute), Nicholas Mickelson (77th minute) and Jude Sunthrap-Bell (90th minute). Supachai Chaided's injury before the match against Sri Lanka was not a problem for the "War Elephants". Thailand had Jude Soonsup-Bell stand up and shine in his first match for the national team in an official tournament.

Soonsup-Bell scored Thailand's first goal with a header after receiving a cross from Supachai Sarachat. He completed his double with a finish from just outside the box.

After the victory over Sri Lanka, Soonsup-Bell will be the name that causes a stir in the Thai press. The striker born in 2004 was called up by coach Hudson for the first time to the Thai national team this time. Soonsup-Bell has received high expectations from fans of the "Golden Temple" country, while playing for Grimsby Town Club in League Two (the 4th ranked league in English professional football).

In the first leg against Sri Lanka, Thailand needed a controversial goal to beat the team ranked 193rd in the FIFA rankings (as of November). In the rematch against Sri Lanka, under a new coach and with a much-changed squad, the "War Elephants" showed a different side.

584811129-1381115736702593-3500102632635944493-n-5912.jpg — Soonsup-Bell breathes new life into "War Elephant."

In Group D of the third qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup, Thailand took the lead with 12 points, 3 points more than Turkmenistan but their opponent still has a match left to play. Right after Thailand's win over Sri Lanka, Turkmenistan will face Chinese Taipei and it is likely that the "War Elephants" will have a point gap.

In the final round, Thailand will face Turkmenistan. This will be a decisive battle for the only ticket in Group D to the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup. According to the format of the third qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup, when teams have the same number of points, the head-to-head record will be considered first.

Thailand lost 1-3 to Turkmenistan in the first leg, so they must win the final match to qualify, in case Turkmenistan wins Chinese Taipei in tonight's match.