Janice R. Andrews
In an exciting change of events, Saudi Arabia and Thailand are locked in a fascinating duel for first place in Asian Cup Group F. With two straight wins under their belts and a spot in the knockout stage guaranteed, coach Roberto Mancini’s Green Falcons are ready for a pivotal match at Education City in Doha versus Thailand.
Mancini may still be tempted to change up the starting lineup, but this is the last group stage encounter, and the stakes are enormous. Saudi Arabia would need just to draw with Thailand to hold the top slot, which would open the door for a matchup with Jordan or Bahrain in the round of sixteen that seems to be more advantageous. But a defeat and a runner-up position would mean a difficult elimination match against Uzbekistan. The result is important not just for Saudi Arabia but also for Oman, one of its neighbors, who stands to gain from the Green Falcons’ chances of moving on to the next round.
The Road of Redemption in Thailand
Thailand triumphantly returned in 2019 following their failure to qualify for the Asian Cups in 2011 and 2015. They started the tournament with a humiliating 4-1 loss to India, but they bounced back to make it to the round of 16, even leading China 2-1 before losing. Thailand has had inconsistent results in the Asian Cup in the past; their bronze medal from 1972 stands out as a notable accomplishment. But their recent performance, which included a 2-0 victory against Kyrgyzstan in the first game, points to a revitalized team.
Thailand has never fared well against Saudi Arabia in head-to-head matches; the Green Falcons have won 12 of the previous 13 meetings. But in the Asian Cup of 2019, Thailand has shown signs of life, with fervent fans and impressive results in the Thai Premier League.
Masatada Ishii: The Emerging Designer
With only one month to go before the competition, Japanese coach Masatada Ishii takes on the task of shaping a squad in his likeness. Ishii provides expertise and a winning mindset to the Thai national team. He has a distinguished coaching record that includes leading Buriram United to consecutive Trebles. Thailand’s campaign is anticipated to be heavily dependent on players such as Supachai Chaided, who excelled at Buriram United under Ishii’s direction.
Critical Battle: Mueanta vs. Al-Dawsari
The No. 10 players on both teams, Salem Al-Dawsari of Saudi Arabia and Suphanat Mueanta of Thailand, will be in the limelight throughout this match. Even though they aren’t playing against each other directly, these players have the ability to change the way their teams play. Mancini stresses the need of generating opportunities, and it is anticipated that Al-Dawsari, the AFC Asian Footballer of the Year, would perform to the calibre of a player of his caliber. On the other hand, Mueanta, a phenomenal talent who plays for OH Leuven in Europe, demonstrates his capacity to produce in important games.
Prognosis: A Cautionary Collision
Mancini will probably play it safe despite the want to experiment given the consequences of Saudi Arabia’s dismal last-16 draw. Given that both countries are happy with a draw, a tie appears to be the most likely result. The Green Falcons are hoping to take the lead in Group F and pave the way for a successful run in the Asian Cup knockout stages, thus expectations are high.
