Despite Thailand’s 6-1 hammering of Taiwan on Tuesday night in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, their coach Masatada Ishii’s repeated warnings still ring loud.
The War Elephants did put on a spectacular show in Taipei to follow their 2-0 home victory last Thursday with goals galore.
However, what happened thousands of miles away in a town called Arkadag later on the same night has left the equation unchanged.
In the other Group D match, Turkmenistan regained control by ensuring that there was no repeat of their earlier shock defeat to Sri Lanka.
They remain in control of their destiny after sealing a 2-1 win over Sri Lanka.
The upshot means Turkmenistan are back on top of the group, level on nine points with Thailand but holding a favourable head-to-head record against the Southeast Asians.
Thailand will next play Sri Lanka in their fifth match of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on Nov 18.
While Ishii was obviously happy with the three points the War Elephants picked up in style in Taipei, he did add after the match: “I am pleased with the overall performance of the team in both matches, as we won both games.
“If you ask me, we were not perfect; otherwise, we would not have allowed them to score that goal so early after the break.”
Even before the first game against Taiwan in Bangkok, Ishii had been busy telling anyone who would listen that “from now on, we need three points in every game. Against Turkmenistan we failed to do that, so we must make up for it in the matches ahead.”
The straight victories over Taiwan have changed nothing as the War Elephants still cannot afford any more slip-ups.
The Japanese coach has the air of a man who knows what he is doing and what needs to be done.
Upon his return from Taipei on Wednesday night, Ishii said: “From here on, our preparations will depend on evaluating the performances of each player, especially those in the core squad.
“These two games went according to plan — almost perfectly — but there are still details we must improve to be even more ready.
“Since only the group winners will qualify directly for the Asian Cup finals, we must give our very best to be one of those nations.
“Scoring more goals in the second meeting was possible because we faced the same opponent, which made analysis easier.
“Taiwan wanted to beat us, so they opened up more, leaving space behind their defensive line. That allowed us to score more. Their pressing higher up the pitch, combined with our teamwork and understanding, helped us create many goals.”
Meanwhile, Santiphap Channgom said: “Personally, I’m very happy to have contributed to the team, and even happier that we secured three points.
“I’m glad I could help with the goals, but what matters most is that the team got the win — that’s more important than individual performance.
“There’s pressure in every match. Right now, we’re second in the group, level on points with Turkmenistan. Personally, I feel the pressure, but I know we must stay focused on the games ahead.”
Match with Lions
The Football Association of Thailand has confirmed the national team will play a friendly against Singapore during the Fifa Day next month before their Asian Cup qualifier against Sri Lanka.
The match will take place at Thammasat Stadium on Nov 13.
Singapore are currently ranked 158th in the Fifa world rankings.
The War Elephants will face Sri Lanka in Colombo five days later.