The Thai coach was disappointed because he lost before the AFF Cup
The match against Taiwan is Thailand's last rehearsal before entering the campaign to defend the AFF Cup championship, and to pay tribute to Teeratep Winathai - the striker retired from his playing career at the age of 37.
In front of an opponent 46 ranks below FIFA, Coach Mano Polking's army dominated, holding the ball 75% and launching 25 shots but failed to score. On the contrary, they conceded a goal in the 72nd minute after Chen Jui-chieh's finishing kick.
"We are very disappointed with this result, even if it is only a friendly match," coach Polking said. "We are disappointed because the game did not go as we wanted. The opponent actively defended with a large number and waited for an opportunity to counterattack. They did well and the game went according to their wishes. We will have to review this match and make corrections to enter the AFF Cup 2022".
Before losing to Taiwan, Thailand won each time Myanmar 6-0. According to coach Polking, he has used up all the players called up and will go through the performance in the past two matches to finalize the list of 23 participants for the Southeast Asian Championship. He hinted that the main squad was the players in the friendly match against Myanmar.
At the AFF Cup 2022, Thailand is in Group A with the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia and Brunei. They will play their first match on December 20, against Brunei.
Polking helped Thailand dethrone Vietnam at the AFF Cup 2020. But this time, he only has eight players who won the previous championship, including defender Theerathon Bunmathan, Kritsada Kaman, midfielder Sarach Yooyen, Bordin Phala, Sivakorn Tiatrakul, Weerathep Pomphan, strikers Adisak Kraisorn and Teerasil Dangda.
The familiar but absent players this season are goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan, defender Tristan Do, midfielder Supachok Sarachat, Thanawat Suengchitthawon or captain Chanathip Songkrasin. The following three players are all playing abroad, so they were not returned by the club to attend the AFF Cup - the tournament is not on the official FIFA schedule.
