Thai football expert: Even playing defensively leads to loss, fans lack confidence before facing Vietnam national team

Thai football pundit Chamnong Songkuea highlights the tactical problems of the Thai team following their defeat to Singapore in the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinal second leg.

Despite playing at home in Rajamangala, the Thai national team unexpectedly lost 1-2 to Singapore in the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinal second leg. However, having won 3-1 in the first leg, coach Anthony Hudson's team still advanced to the final with a 4-3 aggregate score.

After the match, Thai football expert Chamnong Songkuea, a familiar face on Thairath Sport, pointed out the tactical issues of the "War Elephants".

Chamnong Songkuea believes that the loss to Singapore created a tense atmosphere around the Thai team: "Thailand lost 1-2 to Singapore but still advanced to the final of the Southeast Asian championship. After the match, the atmosphere was quite tense. Both the media and fans were dissatisfied despite reaching the final. Questions kept being directed at Mr. Hudson: Why is the team's play so lacking in structure? They only know how to defend, with almost no attack to be seen."

"Meanwhile, Hudson gave his usual response: This can be considered a team assembled in a short time, lacking key players and having very little preparation time. However, the results achieved are still good and the players deserve praise," expert Chamnong Songkuea continued.

Chamnong Songkuea said that before the tournament, expectations for Thailand to go far in the ASEAN Cup 2026 were not high: "Both sides have their reasons, so it's hard to say who is right or wrong. Looking back at when the squad was announced, only a small portion of fans thought Thailand could reach the final. Most expected reaching the semifinals would be a success. But in the end, Thailand made it to the final match."

Chamnong Songkuea said he understands the criticism directed at Thailand's playing style: "Once in the final, expectations immediately shift to winning the championship. However, looking at the team's performance and shape on the field, there is hardly anything for fans to hope for. That leads to the criticism."

Expert Chamnong Songkuea believes that Thailand playing defensively yet still losing to Singapore causes the Land of Smiles' fans to lack confidence before the final: "Previously, people could accept Hudson prioritizing defense if the team got good results. But today, Thailand played defensively and still lost, making fans lose much faith before the final, where the opponent is likely to be Vietnam, a strong team."

"That's the issue. The fans sympathize with the players and are ready to continue supporting. They just want to see some shape in the gameplay. If they choose to defend, the team also needs a good counter-attacking plan. Or at least show enough attacking ability to reassure the fans. They can't come to the stadium to cheer for 90 minutes and only see Thailand constantly being pressed, dominated, and suffering," Chamnong Songkuea emphasized.

"Therefore, what people want to see is a clearer playing style and specific ways for the Thai team to deal with the opponent in the final," Chamnong Songkuea affirmed.