Many weaknesses

Thailand 's 1-3 loss to Turkmenistan in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers has sounded the alarm: The "War Elephants" are at risk of not getting a ticket to Saudi Arabia.

Thai media and fans clearly expressed disappointment with their team's performance, revealing a series of weaknesses.

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Thailand lost comprehensively and exposed many problems against Turkmenistan. Photo: Changsuek

First of all, according to Siam Sport's analysis, the field factor is a big barrier. Playing on artificial turf has always been a nightmare for Thailand.

In the 2024 ASEAN Cup, Thailand lost 1-2 to the Philippines on artificial turf. This time, the same thing happened again in a match that is important for the 2027 Asian Cup.

Thai players had difficulty controlling the ball, coordinating, moving and creating the usual rhythm of play.

In addition, coach Masatada Ishii was criticized by Siam Sport for his preparation, from the friendly match with India to the clash with Turkmenistan, causing the team to lack cohesion.

The second problem was the fragile defense. The central defenders Shinnaphat Leeaoh and Elias Dolah played uncertainly, especially the former, who was directly at fault for all three goals conceded.

Coach Ishii took a risk by letting young and inexperienced players carry the defense instead of calling on veteran center back Pansa Hemviboon. This backfired.

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Captain Chanathip is pale. Photo: Changsuek

Poor tactics and morale

Coach Ishii’s personnel and tactical decisions have been questioned. His omission of high-performing players such as Nicholas Mickelson, Weerathep Pomphan, and Thanawat Suengchitthawon has left the Thai squad lacking both depth and stability in the midfield.

Selected players like Peeradon Chamrasamee have declined, unable to show their role in connecting and regulating the gameplay.

Not only tactical ideas, but also the fighting spirit is very worrying. Thailand makes fans feel a lack of determination and effort even when they are behind.

The attacks of the “War Elephants” lack creativity, are monotonous and lack innovation. This is unusual for a team that was once considered to have good technical play and teamwork.

From the problem of summoning personnel, Thailand's substitution plans of course did not bring about effectiveness.

Reserve players like Ben Davis, Phitiwat Sukjitthammakul or Poramet Arjvirai failed to make any impression.

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Coach Ishii has received much criticism. Photo: Changsuek

Meanwhile, pillars like Chanathip Songkrasin or Ekanit Panya have lost their form so there is no one to lead the game.

If Chanathip's decline is puzzling, Ekanit's decline is a warning sign. He has barely had any real games in Japan, so his ball control is terrible.

With the loss to Turkmenistan, Siam Sport and a number of Thai sports newspapers expressed pessimism about the risk of not being able to win a ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup.

Thai public opinion believes that the latest result against Turkmenistan is not only a defeat in terms of score, but also a defeat in terms of tactics and spirit.

In the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, only the top 6 teams will qualify for the finals. To be able to participate in Saudi Arabia, Thailand has a lot of work to do in the coming time, especially the "final" with Turkmenistan in March 2026.

Without drastic changes, Thai football could pay a heavy price.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/tuyen-thai-lan-qua-nhieu-diem-yeu-lo-lo-hen-asian-cup-2027-2411056.html