On December 8, the Thai national football team began their Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 campaign with a stunning 10-0 victory over Timor-Leste in a Group A match. Due to Timor-Leste's stadium failing to meet competition standards, the match was played at a neutral venue in Vietnam.
Thai Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Korakot Pipatnadda
- Defenders: James Burresford, Nicholas Mickelson, Saringkan Promsupa, Pansa Hemviboon (Captain)
- Midfielders: Akkarapong Phumwiset, Benjamin Davis, William Weiderjoe
- Forwards: Anan Yodsangwal, Suphanat Mueanta, Patrik Gustavsson
First Half:
Thailand established dominance early, scoring four goals. Benjamin Davis netted twice (4', 32'), while Patrik Gustavsson (17') and Suphanat Mueanta (28') added to the tally.
Second Half:
Thailand intensified their attack, adding six more goals. Suphanat scored again (54'), followed by Seksan Ratree's quick brace (56', 61'). Teerasak Poeiphimai (79', 90+2') and Nicholas Mickelson (90+3') completed the rout.
The victory secured Thailand three points and a +10 goal difference, placing them at the top of Group A. Thailand will next face Malaysia at Bangkok's Rajamangala National Stadium on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 8:00 PM.
Group A Standings (After Matchday 1):
- Thailand: Played 1, Won 1, Drawn 0, Lost 0 (3 points)
- Cambodia: Played 1, Won 0, Drawn 1, Lost 0 (1 point)
- Malaysia: Played 1, Won 0, Drawn 1, Lost 0 (1 point)
- Timor-Leste: Played 1, Won 0, Drawn 0, Lost 1 (0 points)