On the evening of December 27, the Thai team unexpectedly suffered a 1-2 defeat on the Philippines' field in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 semi-final. This defeat caused the Thai team to receive much criticism from the domestic media.
Siam Sport newspaper said that the defeat of the Thai team shocked the whole country. The newspaper wrote: "This is Thailand's first defeat to the Philippines in 52 years and is a valuable lesson for coach Masatada Ishii to correct."
Siam Sport also highly appreciated the performance of the Philippine team at the ASEAN Cup 2024: "In all four matches in the group stage, coach Albert Capellas applied many different tactics for the Philippine team. The first victory against Thailand in 52 years showed the talent of the Spanish coach."
Thailand's leading sports newspaper also pointed out many reasons for the home team's defeat, including having to play on the artificial turf of Rizal Memorial Stadium.
"Having to play on the Rizal Memorial pitch was one of the five reasons why Thailand lost. The Thai players also failed to take advantage of the many opportunities they created. The third reason why Thailand lost was that the players lacked international experience. Typically, the central defender duo Jonatharn Khemdee and Saringkar Phromsupa both had less than 10 appearances for the national team.
The Thai team also lacked a true striker when no attacking player was put on the field to change the game. Especially after Suphanat Mueanta was injured and had to leave the field in the 64th minute," Siam Sport newspaper assessed.
The second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup semi-final between Thailand and the Philippines will take place at 8:00 p.m. on December 30.
