Chanathip shines as Thailand comfortably defeats Nepal

(Football result) - Thailand easily secured a 2-0 victory against Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying round.

Right after the kickoff, Thailand pushed forward aggressively, applying constant pressure on Taiwan’s goal. However, Taiwan set up a deep and tight defense, making it difficult for the home team.

The clearest chance came at the 16th minute when Chanathip made a breakaway to face the goalkeeper, but Taiwan’s keeper rushed out in time to block successfully. The following minutes saw Thailand struggle to find a breakthrough. Chanathip tried his luck with long-range shots but lacked accuracy. The first half ended goalless at 0-0.

In the second half, Thailand kept up the pressure and quickly scored the opening goal in the 51st minute. Supachok delivered a perfect cross to substitute player Seksan Ratree who rose high to head the ball precisely, putting Thailand ahead 1-0.

After the goal, Taiwan’s defense began to tire, and Thailand created numerous chances to double the lead, but the shots lacked necessary precision.

However, the "Thai Messi" made his mark just in time. In the 77th minute, exploiting confusion in the opponent’s penalty area, Chanathip executed a classy one-touch volley, increasing the score to 2-0 for Thailand.

The match ended with a convincing 2-0 win for Thailand. With Turkmenistan unexpectedly losing to Sri Lanka, Thailand now shares the same points (6) with both rivals and is well positioned to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

Full time, Thailand 2-0 Taiwan

77' Goal, Chanathip makes it 2-0

Taking advantage of chaos in the box, Chanathip scored a brilliant one-touch volley to make it 2-0 for Thailand.

65' No second goal yet

Thailand has many opportunities to extend the lead as Taiwan’s defense weakens, but the finishing remains off target.

51' Goal, Thailand opens the scoring

Supachok delivered a precise cross, and substitute Seksan Ratree rose to head the ball accurately to open the score.

46' Second half begins

Half time, Thailand 0-0 Taiwan

33' Stalemate

There were few clear chances for Thailand in the latter half of the first half. Taiwan maintained solid defensive organization.

24' Again Chanathip

Thailand struggled against a deep defensive line, forcing Chanathip to attempt distant shots that missed the target.

16' No goal

Chanathip had a breakaway chance but Taiwan’s goalkeeper rushed out quickly to prevent a goal.

7' Thailand dominates

Right from the start, Thailand pushed their line up and continuously pressured Taiwan’s goal.

1' Match starts

Thailand starting lineup:

What time is Thailand vs Taiwan, and where to watch live?

• Time: 7:30 PM on October 9
• Venue: Rajamangala Stadium, Thailand
• Tournament: Group D, 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers
• Live on: FPT Play

Key information before the Thailand vs Taiwan match:

Thailand’s national team faces considerable personnel challenges ahead of the third and fourth qualifying matches for the 2027 Asian Cup. Head coach Masatada Ishii has called up two new players: defender Wanchai Jarunongkran (True Bangkok United) and midfielder Channarong Promsrikaew (Chonburi FC).

These two were summoned to replace Sasalak Haiprakhon and Supachai Chaided, both from Buriram United, who had to withdraw due to injuries. The "War Elephants" offense suffered a major blow just before facing a disciplined team like Taiwan.

With Supachai injured and out, Thailand now has only one true striker, Teerasak Poeiphimai from Port FC. This poses a significant challenge for the "War Elephants," who must beat Taiwan in both upcoming qualifiers to keep their hopes alive.

A surprising loss to Turkmenistan in the second match reduced Thailand’s chances to advance. The "War Elephants" cannot afford to drop any points against Taiwan, currently bottom of the group with two losses, if they want to overturn the situation against Turkmenistan in the return leg.

Although rated much higher than their opponents, Taiwan appears more confident based on recent encounters. In June 2023, Taiwan drew 2-2 with Thailand and beat them 1-0 at the end of 2022. Thus, Thailand failed to win in their last two meetings.

Expected lineups for Thailand vs Taiwan

• Thailand:Anuin, Sorada, Syriya, Thongsong, Puangchan, Chamratsamee, Davis, Poeiphimai, Chanathip, Promsrikaew, Sarachat.
• Taiwan: Huang Chiu Lin, Huang Tzu Ming, Wei Pei Lun, Lin Zhi Xuan, Wang Ruei, Chen Ting Yang, Zhao Ming Xiu, Tu Shao Chieh, Tsai Meng Chen, Gong Zhi Yu, Jhon Miky Benchy.