Thailand is missing key players in the ASEAN Cup 2026, as the tournament falls outside the FIFA international match calendar. In the 0-2 first-leg final loss to Vietnam, Thailand utilized 7 under-23 players. Thai media and the public described this as a B squad, with former midfielder Therdsak Chaiman suggesting an A squad would have defeated Vietnam.

However, captain Sarach Yooyen opted not to fuel this debate during a press conference held today, 25/8, at the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) headquarters. "I do not distinguish between A or B squads when playing for the national team. The current players also have strong capabilities," said the midfielder born in 1992. "Winning and losing are common in football. Despite losing 0-2, we still believe we can make a comeback and bring the cup back to Thailand."

Thailand midfielder Sarach Yooyen at the press conference at the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) headquarters in Ha Noi on 25/8, before the match against Vietnam in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final at My Dinh stadium. *Photo: Duc Dong*

Earlier, coach Anthony Hudson also acknowledged facing challenges in selecting players for the ASEAN Cup 2026. In the 2024 tournament, he described Thailand as having "almost the strongest" squad, yet they lost to Vietnam 3-5 overall in the final. Nevertheless, the English coach affirmed his desire for victory regardless of the squad, denying that he was merely experimenting with tactics.

"To say it is an experiment is not entirely accurate," Hudson stated. "This is a period for players to prepare physically and professionally at their clubs for the new season. The recent matches served as an opportunity to prepare for that, but at the same time, we still prioritize achieving good results to maintain competitiveness."

To make a comeback, Thailand needs to defeat Vietnam by three goals. If they win by two goals, the two teams will proceed to extra time and potentially a penalty shootout.

The last time Thailand defeated Vietnam by three goals was in 2015, with a 3-0 score, in the second round of World Cup 2018 Asian Qualifiers at My Dinh stadium. Vietnam's most recent loss was also against Thailand, with a 1-2 score, in a friendly match at My Dinh in September 2024.

Sarach participated in both these victories. Additionally, also at My Dinh stadium, he played in the 0-0 draw against Vietnam in the second round of World Cup 2022 qualifiers in November 2019 and the 2-2 draw in the first leg of the AFF Cup 2022 final. The midfielder did not participate in the ASEAN Cup 2024, where Thailand lost to Vietnam 1-2 in the first leg of the final at Viet Tri stadium in Phu Tho.

"I have never lost to Vietnam in away matches. I hope this streak continues," Sarach stated. "I feel no pressure and am fully confident in victory. The team's playing style has improved with each match. Young players have also made breakthroughs thanks to the experience gained from their journey in the tournament."

Sarach, born in 1992, currently plays for BG Pathum United in Thai League 1. He is from the same generation as Theerathon Bunmathan and Chanathip Songkrasin, and is considered one of the best central midfielders in Thai football history.

Sarach is also the player with the most Southeast Asian championship titles, having won in 2014, 2016, 2021, and 2022. He is only one title short of Kiatisuk Senamuang, but the Thai legend won three titles as a player (1996, 2000, 2002) and two as head coach of the Thai national team (2014, 2016).

Hieu Luong