Loss to Uzbekistan ends Thailand’s Asian Cup hopes
Thailand’s national team made its exit in the 2023 Asian Cup after the War Elephants were beaten 2-1 by Uzbekistan in the round of 16 knockout stage of the tournament being held in Doha.
Thailand had advanced to the round of 16, finishing second in Group F, while Uzbekistan had finished second in Group B.
Thai head coach Masatada Ishii decided to change four players who had been a part of the starting line-up in the victory against Tajikistan and the draw against Oman. Ishii surprisingly benched winger Supachok Sarachat and striker Suphanat Mueanta, who both compete in overseas leagues.
Uzbekistan dominated the first half of the game and broke through in the 37th minute when striker Azizbek Turgunboev trapped the ball on his chest and struck into the net, putting the "White Wolves" 1-0 ahead.
Supachok equalised for Thailand in the 58th minute with a stunning long shot. The War Elephants went all out in search of scoring opportunities in the second half, and even substituted Suphanat and Supachok.
But only seven minutes later, Abbosbek Fayzullaev gave Uzbekistan the lead once more. He took the ball at the edge of the box, turned, and executed a sharp finish.
Thailand intensified its attack in injury time, but narrowly missed a chance to score as defender Elias Dolah’s header off a cross pass went over the bar.
History seemed to repeat itself as Thailand had lost to China 2-1 in the knockout stage of the previous Asian Cup.
Ishii apologised to Thai fans for the defeat, and added: “We have a lot to improve not just the team but also the Thai league and the [football] association.”
The Japanese head coach also said that he was turning his focus now to the World Cup qualifying match against South Korea on March 21.
Following the match, Thailand's FIFA ranking shot up from 113 to 101.
