Thailand are talking up their chances in the ASEAN Cup 2026 final, but Vietnam head into the decisive return leg with the advantage in results and confidence, as well as a 1,316-day unbeaten run against the “War Elephants.”
Conceding two goals at Rajamangala Stadium has not persuaded Thailand to give up. At least that is the message head coach Anthony Hudson has been delivering since arriving in Hanoi.
The English coach spoke of meticulous preparations for the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final against Vietnam.
Thailand could make sweeping changes in both tactics and personnel when the two sides meet again at My Dinh Stadium at 8 p.m. on August 26.
“As for how we are preparing for the second leg, I cannot reveal that,” Hudson stressed. “But the important thing is that everyone, from myself and the coaching staff to the players, still believes in our ability when we go to Vietnam to play.”
Thailand coach Anthony Hudson could reshuffle his lineup again. Photo: FAT
Hudson has faced considerable criticism in recent days over what has been described as “experimenting with the lineup,” having repeatedly altered his starting XI.
“That is not accurate,” he countered. “This is the preseason period for the clubs as well as the players. The aim is to give the players match rhythm, improve their fitness and maintain their physical foundation.”
Before traveling to Hanoi, Thailand devoted considerable time to fitness training. Physical conditioning could prove one of the keys to their final match at the ASEAN Cup 2026.
Hudson remains frustrated by the result on August 22.
“Vietnam’s goalkeeper was named Player of the Match, and that says quite a lot,” he said.
Barring a surprise, Hudson is expected to make further changes to his starting lineup. His plan is to field the freshest players possible for what he expects to be an intensely physical contest.
“The important thing is to prepare really well. When we go to Vietnam, we all believe we can cause them problems,” the 45-year-old coach concluded.
Thailand rally around comeback hopes
Sarach Yooyen encourages his younger teammates. Photo: FAT
Captain Sarach Yooyen insists that a two-goal deficit is not impossible to overturn, even though playing at My Dinh will be anything but easy.
“We are still fortunate that the final is played over home and away legs,” Sarach said, refusing to give up hope. “We still have another match, another 90 minutes to fight. I don’t think 0-2 is too big a gap. I believe all the young players in the team are still fighting and will try to come back in the second leg.”
Sarach sought to lift the team’s spirits: “If we can score an early goal in the return leg, the momentum and motivation will come back to us.”
The 34-year-old midfielder also had a warning for his teammates: “We have to be especially focused on Vietnam’s counterattacks.”
For now, before the ball starts rolling, Thailand can do little more than keep encouraging one another.
Vietnam head into the return leg with advantages on several fronts. Photo: FAT
Young striker Jehhanafee Mamah said: “I admit this is one of the difficult matches.
“After the first leg, we are behind, so we have to give everything in the return leg. Everyone in the team keeps reminding each other that we cannot play slowly or without determination, and that we have to try to score the first goal as early as possible.”
Mamah also identified what he sees as the key to the second leg.
“We need to focus on fitness because we have to maintain our ability to play throughout the 90 minutes. Right now, confidence is still very high.”
Thailand are clearly preparing for a match in which mentality could prove decisive. The War Elephants are also likely to attack more aggressively than they did in the first half of the opening leg.
That, however, could create precisely the spaces Vietnam need to counterattack - a particular danger against a side Thailand have now failed to beat for 1,316 days.
Vietnamnet.vn
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