Pakistan’s first appearance at the FIFA ASEAN Cup ended in a 4-0 defeat to Thailand in Bandung, Indonesia, on Saturday, as forward Teerasak Poeiphimai scored twice for a side ranked more than 100 places higher.
The result was in line with the gulf in the rankings (Thailand are 94th in the world, Pakistan 198th), but Nolberto Solano’s side held their shape for more than half an hour and showed spirit after the break.
A strong start in defence
Pakistan, competing as a guest nation, defended in numbers through a cagey opening. Mohibullah made a fine interception, Ali Raza produced an excellent sliding tackle, and goalkeeper Yousuf Butt saved well on the half-hour, keeping Thailand to long-range efforts.
The breakthrough came moments later. Yousuf saved a header from Jude Soonsup-Bell, but Teerasak was first to the rebound and scored in the 31st minute. Ten minutes later, a misplaced pass from captain Abdullah Iqbal let Thailand break quickly, and Soonsup-Bell finished from close range for 2-0. Thailand had a third ruled out for offside soon after.
A brighter second half
Solano made three changes at half-time, bringing on Shayek Dost, Hayyan Khattak and Alamgir Ghazi for Ali Raza, Ali Agha and Abdullah Shah. The changes lifted Pakistan: full-backs Mohammad Fazal and Haris Zeb pushed forward, and the team kept the ball well early in the half without creating a clear chance.
Thailand gradually took control again. On the hour, a volley from Teerasak deflected off Haris Zeb and looped over Yousuf for 3-0. Abdul Samad Arshad curled a shot wide, and veteran forward Kaleemullah Khan came on with 19 minutes left. Thailand should have added a fourth in the 77th minute, when a low cross from the left found a forward unmarked in front of goal, but he missed the ball completely with only Yousuf to beat. Six minutes from time, Teerasak completed his double after Pakistan failed to clear, finishing past the goalkeeper after being played onside by a smart touch from Kakana Khamyok.
Context: a big step up
The defeat should be seen in context. Pakistan came into the tournament after an encouraging summer, winning the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives, their first title in 74 years. Thailand, by contrast, fielded players based in Japan, Germany and England, under an experienced English coach.
For a team that plays relatively few competitive internationals, matches like this are exactly the experience Solano said he wanted: a chance to test his players against stronger Asian opposition and learn from it.
What’s next
Pakistan play the Philippines, ranked 135th, on September 29 in Bandung, before their final group match against Vietnam in Jakarta on October 2. Tightening up after conceding from set-piece rebounds and turnovers will be the priority, and a first goal of the tournament would be a welcome boost.
Why it matters
Pakistan’s presence at the FIFA ASEAN Cup is itself a milestone for the national game. Heavy defeats against strong teams are part of the process of rebuilding, but the second-half improvement and the defensive discipline of the first half hour offer something to build on as the team faces two more demanding matches.
This article draws on reporting published by Dawn.
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