Thailand's lackluster draw with China leaves European coach pleased

Thailand's head coach Anthony Hudson took pride in his team's performance following the stalemate with China, yet the response from Thai supporters indicated another worry before the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

The Thai national team concluded their June FIFA Days friendlies with a goalless draw against China. This result is not too bad for the "War Elephants" playing away, but the performance of coach Anthony Hudson's team still sparked much debate, especially as the 2026 ASEAN Cup approaches.

After the match, coach Anthony Hudson showed great respect for the hosts. The English manager believed that Chinese football had changed considerably compared to the past, especially as the domestic league has developed and players get more regular playing time.

"China is a strong team and has made very good progress. I think they are on the right track", Hudson shared after the match.

Notably, despite Thailand failing to score, Hudson expressed satisfaction with his players' fighting spirit. He emphasized that many Thai players had been away from competitive rhythm for a long time due to the end of the Thai League season, while Chinese players had the advantage of match fitness as their domestic league was still ongoing.

"I am proud of all the players. They played bravely, gave their all, supported each other, and put on a strong performance", Hudson added.

However, the on-field developments showed that Thailand did not have an easy match. China started better and created a dangerous opportunity as early as the 3rd minute, when Zhang Yuning's close-range shot hit the post.

For most of the time, the hosts exerted more pressure, while Thailand played cautiously, prioritizing solidity over pushing forward. Thanks to a focused defense and China's lack of sharpness, the "War Elephants" left the pitch with a 0-0 draw.

Contrary to Hudson's optimism, Thai fans were dissatisfied. On social media, many felt the team played without energy, failed to create many highlights, and did not inspire confidence ahead of the 2026 ASEAN Cup. Notably, quite a few Thai fans also brought up the Vietnam national team as an important yardstick in the regional race.

This concern is further justified given that before the draw with China, Thailand also was held to a draw by Kuwait. Two consecutive games without a win has made fans question the "War Elephants'" ability to compete for titles.