5 highlights from Thailand's victory

Except for the 0-1 loss to Taiwan, coach Mano Polking kept 11 players in the starting lineup, including strikers Teerasil Dangda - Adisak Kraison, two central midfielders Sarach Yooyen - Theerathon Bunmathan, winger pair Ekanit Panya - Bordin Phala, the four defenders Suphanan Bureerat - Pansa Hemviboon - Kritsada Kaman - Sasalak Haiprakhon and goalkeeper Kittipong Phuthawchueak.

The more kicking, the more familiar and confident Thailand is with this scheme. Against the Philippines yesterday, the operating system was even smoother than the 5-0 victory over Brunei. It wasn't until the 64th minute that Polking adjusted, when he replaced three people at the same time and switched from 4-4-2 back to his forte 4-3-3 formation.

Possibly, the 4-4-2 scheme is just Polking's experiment. But it will be an unpredictable piece, when Thailand can play well with many different schemes.

Taking the lead from the third minute took a lot of pressure off the team. That adds confidence, so that the players as well as the whole Thai team play with high performance. The quartet made no mistakes, playing calmly in difficult situations while goalkeeper Kittipong Phuthawchueak made two brilliant saves, helping him keep a clean sheet.

The midfield is still in high form. Regardless of Theerathon Bunmathan or Yooyen can launch soft passes. The two wingers Ekanit and Phala can create waves whenever they have the ball. But the most commendable is the range of strikers Teerasil Dangda - Adisak Kraisorn. They did not allow the Philippines to coordinate at home or pass forward.

Both Thailand's main and substitute players show a greater desire. They are ready to chase the ball to put pressure on the opponent. It is a sign of the pride of the players when wearing the national team shirt. If this spirit continues, it will not be surprising if the audience fills the field to see the team in the next match.

Teerasil only kicked 64 minutes. But the ball passes through the 34-year-old striker's feet all make the difference between the two teams. Two goals, one assist proves that Teerasil is still a player worth waiting for at the AFF Cup 2022. In Adisak Kraisorn's goal to raise the score to 3-0, Teerasil showed his class in controlling and then stretching to let his teammates finish. point.

Theerathon, in the central midfield role, remains sophisticated. When defending, he shows off his ability to read the situation accurately. On the offensive side, Theerathon is the player who creates the most chances in the team. Theerathon could have had more than one assist if Krisada Kaman hadn't been penalized for offside for the Philippines net, or Ekanit Panya hadn't shot over the bar from close range. But overall, the 2019 J-League champion is still a dangerous player when he has the ball. In addition, his influence on the field can elevate teammates.

Under Polking, Theerathon had eight assists in 15 games under Polking.

At the age of 29, Suphanan was a late discovery when he was only recruited at the beginning of this year. At first, he was a bit confused when he had to get used to his new teammates. But gradually, Suphanan adapted to play excellently against the Philippines. He contributed to creating a tight defense, not allowing the opponent to easily pass. When Thailand changed state, Suphanan pressed, penetrated the penalty area, maintained the intensity before successfully finishing to set the score 4-0.

Abundant physical strength helps Suphanan run around the field, and the 29-year-old defender makes the attackers feel secure to go up without worrying about leaving space behind. Because if the opponent counterattacks, Suphanan will quickly retreat to keep his position. If he continues to be confident and play like this, Suphanan can completely become a formidable competitor for Narubadin in the right-back position of the team.

Thailand proved its superior strength when defeating the Philippines. But looking in the opposite direction, the Philippines does not seem determined to give Thailand a challenge.

Usually, weaker teams will choose a solid kick to prevent strong opponents from coordinating. However, the Philippines does not do that. Maybe because the quality of the players on the two sides is too different, making them unable to approach and cut off contact in Thailand's smoothly operated system. The match saw only one yellow card, for the Philippines, from a tactical foul and did not cause controversy or disrupt the game.

But Thailand needs to have a backup plan against solid rock opponents. The next match against Indonesia will certainly be much more fierce.