Top News

Ahead of the 2026 ASEAN Cup final second leg at My Dinh Stadium on Aug. 26, Thai outlet Siamsport hosted a discussion on YouTube, featuring commentators Tong Sui, Tute Tudu, and Na Nong.

“In my opinion, Vietnam deserve the title because they are serious about this tournament more than any other team,” Na Nong said. “They have focused on training for a full month. They even called up four naturalized players. They did everything possible to win.”

The four naturalized players Na Nong referred to are three of Brazilian origin, Nguyen Xuan Son, Do Hoang Hen, and Nguyen Tai Loc, along with Vietnamese-Slovakian goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang.

Another expert, Tute Tudu, agreed, noting that any teams wishing to defeat Vietnam must make similar long-term investments in their squads.

“To beat a team like that, honestly, we have to go all out and use our strongest lineup,” Tute Tudu said.

Siamsport is a leading Thai sports media outlet, boasting a YouTube channel with over 1.44 million subscribers. These comments served as a rebuttal by the Siamsport experts against a popular argument in Thai football circles following the final first leg on Aug. 22, where Thailand lost 0-2 to Vietnam at home.

Many fans argued that Thailand were at a disadvantage simply because they fielded a “B” or “C” team.

Na Nong argued that personnel was not the core issue, stressing that what truly mattered to him was the poor tactical system Thailand displayed on the pitch.

“Setting aside the B or C team argument, just look at the playing system. We were completely outclassed,” Na Nong said. “Thailand were not prepared to face Vietnam.”

He acknowledged that missing key players might partially explain the underwhelming performance, but it could not excuse the lack of attacking strategies or a working system.

Tute Tudu argued that fans could complain about shorter preparation times or the inability to call up star players, but none of that mattered once the team stepped onto the pitch. Even with a B team, he felt Thailand did not do anything to prove they could put up a real fight and failed to establish any identity in their style of play.

A screenshot of experts on Siamsport’s YouTube channel during a discussion on Aug. 23, 2026.

Thailand’s problems

Besides tactical issues, the experts highlighted the physical disadvantage of the Thailand players. They viewed this as a systemic issue that could not be easily resolved overnight.

“Did you see the physique of Vietnam players? Take a look at the Thailand players,” Na Nong added.

According to this expert, Vietnamese football has prioritized building physical strength in young players from an early age, effectively giving the current generation a better foundation. He cited forward Nguyen Dinh Bac as a prime example of the impressive transformation in the physique and power of Vietnamese players.

The three experts went on to note that this physical difference is clearly evident during on-pitch challenges. While Thailand players may not fall behind in terms of individual technique, the fact that their opponents are stronger and have better balance gives them more options when controlling the ball under pressure.

The discussion then shifted toward youth development and the overall structure of Thai football. The experts argued that the players’ consistent tendency to come off worse in physical duels indicates a desperate need for fundamental improvements within the sport.

Another weakness of Thailand that the experts highlighted was a lack of concentration. They felt Anthony Hudson’s squad lose focus too easily, especially in situations where the referee did not immediately blow the whistle for a foul.

In their first goal conceded during the first leg, Thailand players stopped and expected a foul to be called. In contrast, Vietnam played to the whistle and immediately exploited the open space.

According to Tute Tudu, the controversial refereeing decisions cannot justify players stopping mid-game. The experts believed that coach Kim Sang-sik identified these mental weaknesses and fully exploited them. Vietnam applied pressure, utilized long aerial plays, and capitalized on the opponent’s lapses in concentration to convert chances into goals.

A screenshot of Chaiyaphon Otto (L) getting thrown off balance in a contest with Nguyen Thanh Chung during the first leg of the ASEAN Cup final between Thailand and Vietnam on Aug. 22, 2026.

Hudson out?

Given these issues, Na Nong argued that Thailand should replace head coach Hudson immediately. He asserted that his suggestion did not just come from the recent loss to Vietnam, but from the complete absence of a tactical system throughout Hudson’s entire tenure.

“I would change the coach. I swear!” Na Nong said when asked what he would do if he could decide the future direction of Thai football. He stated he does not even want Hudson to lead the team in the return leg against Vietnam.

“I don’t see a playing style, I don’t see a tactic,” he added. “I haven’t seen anything at all from the very first match up to today’s game.”

The 0-2 defeat in the first leg has left Thai experts concerned about the return match in Hanoi. They anticipate immense pressure at My Dinh National Stadium, which will be packed with around 40,000 passionate spectators as Vietnam aim to lift the trophy on home soil.

Tute Tudu even admitted that Thailand were genuinely “afraid” of Vietnam in the last match, despite veteran midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin telling the team not to be afraid.

However, the experts still urged Thailand to put up a fight in the return leg rather than surrender. They acknowledged that a miraculous comeback is highly unlikely, but stressed that the team must avoid a heavy defeat.