U23 Japan and U23 Thailand both qualified for the quarter-finals after 2 matches. The confrontation at 5:30 PM today (September 23rd) is therefore meaningful in determining the top spot in Group A.
U23 Japan started ASIAD 20 with a 2-0 victory over U23 Hong Kong (China), then made a strong impression when defeating U23 Kyrgyzstan with a score of 7-0. With 6 points and a goal difference of +9, the home team is leading Group A.
Meanwhile, U23 Thailand also won all 2 matches. The Southeast Asian team surpassed U23 Kyrgyzstan 3-2 in the opening match, before winning big against U23 Hong Kong (China) 5-1. U23 Thailand has 6 points and a goal difference of +6.
Therefore, U23 Japan only needs a draw to maintain the top spot in the group. Meanwhile, U23 Thailand must win if they want to overcome the opponent and finish the group stage in 1st place.
Home advantage and impressive form help U23 Japan be rated higher. The Land of the Rising Sun team is showing good play organization, fast ball deployment speed and efficiency in finishing. The 7-0 victory over U23 Kyrgyzstan shows the attacking power of the home team.
However, U23 Thailand also showed that the attack has the ability to make a difference. After 2 matches, the Southeast Asian team scored 8 goals and is having certain confidence before the confrontation with the home team.
The nature of the match may make the two teams not need to take risks from the beginning. Both U23 Japan and U23 Thailand have completed the goal of passing the group stage, while the quarter-finals are waiting ahead. Therefore, the possibility of rotating forces and maintaining strength for the knockout round can be considered.
However, the competition for the top spot still has certain meaning because the position in Group A will affect the opponent in the quarter-finals. U23 Japan has an advantage when they only need a draw, while U23 Thailand must aim for victory.
With what the two teams have shown, the match is predicted to take place at a high pace but it is difficult for too many risks to appear. U23 Japan is likely to actively control the game, while U23 Thailand is waiting for opportunities from status change situations.
Expected lineup
U23 Japan: Araki, Fukuaga, Michiwaki, Nagano, Yokoyama, Nakajima, Ozeki, Sato, Shimanoto, Tsuchiya, Umeki.
U23 Thailand: Sorawat, Chanon, Chanapach, Sittha, Worawut, Thanakrit, Auttapon, Phon ek, Pichitchai, Chawanwit, Jehhanafee Mamah.
