Thailand made many mistakes in Vietnam game: head coach

“We conceded really early so we had to change our strategy and playing style. We made a lot of mistakes in this game. Vietnam played really well. I want to thank the players. We didn’t have much time to prepare but earned at least a point,” Worrawoot said after the game.

Thailand conceded 20 seconds into the game when Phan Tuan Tai’s shot deflected off Jonathan Khemdee’s shoulder and went in. Worrawoot had to make early substitutions as he put in Wanchat Choosong and Ben Davis, with the latter scoring the equalizer for Thailand in the 35th minute after a mistake of Vietnam keeper Nguyen Van Toan.

“We lost possession after conceding. I had to put Davis in to control the situation and get us back in the game,” Worrwoot said.

In the 72nd minute, Thailand conceded again when Nguyen Van Tung scored for Vietnam from an impressive volley. But in added time, Suphanat Mueanta leveled for Thailand with a header to end the game 2-2.

Worrawoot didn’t think that Thailand were lucky to find the last-minute equalizer.

“It’s not just pure luck. We have adjusted and played better. The team didn’t have much time to prepare for this game. Thailand will try to improve and get better results in the next games,” he said.

Thailand have made significant changes since the defeat against Vietnam in the gold medal match of SEA Games 31 on May 22. Worrawoot had since taken over the team from national coach Mano Polking. He decided to keep only 10 players from SEA Games and called up another 14 for this tournament. Among 24 players in the Thailand squad, nine are playing overseas.

The next opponent for Thailand is Malaysia on Sunday, then South Korea three days later.

 

 

Thailand made many mistakes in Vietnam game: head coach

Việt Nam 2-2 Thái Lan