Thailand national football team results (2010–2019)
The Thailand national football team experienced a decade of fluctuating fortunes from 2010 to 2019, marked by periods of regional dominance interspersed with disappointing performances in continental competitions.
Overview
This period saw Thailand participate in numerous international friendlies, FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns, AFC Asian Cup qualifying and final tournaments, AFF Championship (ASEAN Football Championship), and other regional competitions. The team's performance was largely defined by success within Southeast Asia, particularly in the AFF Championship, and challenges in progressing beyond the second round of World Cup qualifying or achieving significant breakthroughs in the AFC Asian Cup. Several different coaches led the team during this time, each implementing their own tactical approaches and influencing team selection.
Key Tournaments and Performances
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FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Thailand participated in the qualifying rounds for the 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cups. While they achieved some notable victories, they ultimately failed to qualify for the final tournament. The 2018 campaign saw some promising results initially, but inconsistency hampered their progress.
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AFC Asian Cup: Thailand qualified for the 2015 and 2019 AFC Asian Cups. In 2015, they finished bottom of their group. The 2019 tournament saw a more competitive Thailand team reach the Round of 16, where they were eliminated. The firing of coach Milovan Rajevac after a heavy defeat in the opening group stage match of the 2019 Asian Cup garnered significant attention.
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AFF Championship (Suzuki Cup): This was Thailand's most successful competition during this decade. They won the tournament in 2014 and 2016, cementing their status as a leading force in Southeast Asian football. Other appearances saw them as strong contenders, frequently reaching the semi-finals or finals.
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King's Cup: Thailand regularly participated in the King's Cup, a friendly international tournament hosted in Thailand. While they aimed to win their home tournament, they faced competition from various international teams and experienced mixed results.
Key Players
Several players were instrumental to the Thailand national team's performance during this period. These included, but were not limited to, Teerasil Dangda, a prolific goalscorer, and Chanathip Songkrasin, a creative midfielder known for his skillful play. Others contributed significantly at various points.
Coaches
The Thailand national team saw a number of coaching changes throughout the 2010s. Notable coaches during this period included:
- Bryan Robson
- Winfried Schäfer
- Kiatisuk Senamuang
- Milovan Rajevac
- Sirisak Yodyardthai
Each coach brought their own philosophies and strategies to the team, influencing team selection and playing style. The turnover in coaching staff reflected the constant pressure to improve results and achieve success in regional and continental competitions.
Overall Assessment
The 2010-2019 decade represented a period of both success and frustration for the Thailand national football team. While they achieved regional dominance in the AFF Championship, they struggled to make a significant impact on the continental stage or qualify for the FIFA World Cup. The frequent coaching changes and inconsistency in performances underscored the challenges faced by the team in achieving sustained success.