Lê Nhung
Thai media have expressed concern that coach Akira Nishino only called up 2 forwards for the crucial match against Vietnam in the upcoming 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
In the 33-man preliminary roster, Supachai Jaided and Chananan Pombuppha are the only strikers to have been chosenby coach Akira Nishino. Notably, Teerasil Dangda is absent, in addition to other strong strikers from the Thai League.
"Akira Nishino’s method is unpredictable. For the first time in Thai footballhistory, only 2 strikers were called up to the preliminary squad. This meager crop will hardly suffice when the official list goes down to 23 players. ‘Does the Thai team really have a lack of high-level strikers?’” SMM Sports newspaper wrote.
“Teerasil Dangda is an experienced player and is at the peak of his career. The veteran striker’s absence is obviously a sticking point for fans. Apiwat Pengprakon has also been playing very well in the Thai League, having racked up 7 goals. He deserves a place on the team this time.” said SMM Sports.
The paper further noted players in the Thai League who are not named in the squad, including 18-year-old prodigy Suphanat Mueanta. He was part of the Thai team at the King’s Cup 2019.
The selection of Chananan Pombubpha, who has scored only 1 goal in the Thai League so far, is an open question. Meanwhile, Supachai Jaided has not received the support of Thai fans due to lackluster performances.
The Thai media assume that coach Nishino is looking for a completely new strategy based on the creativity of his midfielders.
“His decision is difficult to understand. Thailand still has many players who deserve a spot in the national squad such as Teeratep Winothai, Charyl Chappuis or Apiwat Pengpakon," Fox Sports Asia reporter Phairat MLee shared with Zing.
“However, I believe Nishino is considering using a virtual number 9, similar to what he did with the Japanese team at the 2018 World Cup. At this time, Supachai Jaided can play the role of Yuya Osako. This is a risky idea, but Nishino has no other choice,” said MLee.
It is likely that Vietnamese coach Park Hang Seo will face a completely different Thai team at the 2022 World Cup qualifying match in Bangkok on September 5. This will be a closely contested match between the two talented coaches from Japan and South Korea, both giants of football in Asia.
Lê Nhung
