Thailand's national football team is intensifying preparations for the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final against Vietnam. Trailing 0-2 from the first leg, the War Elephants need to win by at least two goals to have any hope of overturning the scoreline. Their training session at My Dinh Stadium on the afternoon of 25/8 saw coach Anthony Hudson actively involved, even breaking a sweat alongside his players.

The team began their practice at 16h, gearing up for the crucial match scheduled for 20h tomorrow, 26/8. Coach Hudson gathered all team members at the center of the pitch for a five-minute briefing before they commenced training.

The weather in Hanoi was humid but not scorching hot, with a possibility of rain, prompting Thailand to request an earlier training slot.

Thailand, needing to overcome a 0-2 deficit from the first leg, requires a win by at least two goals against Vietnam in the return leg to have a chance at victory. The visiting players utilized every minute to familiarize themselves with the My Dinh Stadium pitch.

After warming up, coach Hudson participated in the "piggy in the middle" drill with the players. There was no leniency for the English strategist.

Witnessing their coach being "put through the wringer", the Thailand players enjoyed a hearty laugh.

Hudson's coaching career includes stints as head coach for Bahrain (2013-2014), New Zealand (2014-2017), and interim coach for the USA in 2023. In February 2025, he was appointed to lead Thai club BG Pathum United. After the 2024-2025 season concluded, he transitioned to become the technical director for the Football Association of Thailand (FAT).

By October 2025, he was appointed head coach of the Thailand national team, one day after Japanese coach Masatada Ishii was sacked.

Security was tightened throughout Thailand's training session. Any unauthorized individuals appearing in the stands or on the field were asked to leave.

Duc Dong