PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: The Indian men’s national football team faced a tough challenge against Thailand on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, succumbing to a 0-2 defeat in a FIFA International Friendly at the Thammasat Stadium. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Blue Tigers were outclassed by a clinical Thai side, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.
The War Elephants, ranked 99th in the FIFA World Rankings, started brightly and capitalized on their early dominance. Just eight minutes into the match, Benjamin Davis stunned the Indian defence with a thunderous right-footed strike, leaving goalkeeper Vishal Kaith with no chance. Davis’ precision and composure were on full display as he netted his fourth goal in seven appearances for Thailand.
Despite the early setback, India, ranked 127th globally, showed resilience and gradually found their rhythm. Liston Colaco emerged as a standout performer, weaving through the Thai defence and linking up effectively with Sunil Chhetri and Ashique Kuruniyan. However, their efforts lacked the finishing touch, with Chhetri’s clever header in the 24th minute expertly saved by Thailand’s Saranon Anuin.
Thailand continued to threaten, with long-range efforts narrowly missing the target. Yet, India’s composure was evident as they created chances of their own. Colaco’s dazzling run in the 33rd minute set up Kuruniyan, but the forward’s attempt was scuffed. India’s best chance came in first-half stoppage time when Chhetri delivered a sublime through ball to Colaco, only for the latter to be denied by Anuin in a one-on-one situation.
India began the second half with renewed energy, but their inability to convert chances proved costly. In the 59th minute, a misplaced pass in midfield gifted Thailand possession, and Poramet Arjvilai capitalized with a stunning curling shot into the top-right corner, doubling the hosts’ lead and dampening Indian spirits.
Substitute Lallianzuala Chhangte attempted a dazzling solo effort late in the game, but the Thai defence held firm. The Changsuek could have added a third goal if not for a heroic block by Anwar Ali in the dying moments, showcasing India’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Despite the 2-0 loss, moments of promise from the Indian side offer hope for the future. Coach Manolo Márquez will undoubtedly focus on sharpening finishing and minimizing defensive lapses as the team prepares for their crucial AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round fixture against Hong Kong on June 10.
India: Vishal Kaith (GK), Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan (C), Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh (Lallianzuala Chhangte 67’), Sunil Chhetri (Brandon Fernandes 76’), Ayush Chhetri (Nikhil Prabhu 67’), Lalengmawia Ralte (Suresh Singh Wangjam 46’), Ashique Kuruniyan (Suhail Ahmad Bhat 81’), Asish Rai (Boris Singh 81’), Tekcham Abhishek Singh.
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