Thailand failed to utilize any of their advantages against their tough competitors from China, who had just lost 0-1 to South Korea.
Thailand’s 3-1 victory over Singapore gave them a total of nine points, with a 0 goal difference and nine goals, the same figures as their rivals from China, but they were placed behind due to head-to-head differences (one loss, one draw).
Theerathon Bunmathan (number 3) walked with his teammates to the stands at Rajamangala Stadium to speak with fans about the bitter elimination.
The Thailand captain used a handheld speaker to talk to the crowd. Bunmathan said he and many people thought Thailand would definitely advance, but in the end, he felt he let them down.
"I'm very disappointed with myself," Bunmathan said. "I apologize to football fans and the Thai people."
Bunmathan bowed and apologized to the fans. This was probably the 34-year-old defender's last chance to compete for World Cup qualification. Other veteran teammates like Teerasil Dangda and Chanathip Songkrasin now find themselves in the same boat.
This generation's especially talented Thailand squad advanced to the third qualifying round of the 2018 World Cup under coach Kiatisuk Senamuang.
Bunmathan continued to cry as he walked off the field while thanking fans. He affirmed that he would never refuse the national team if he gets the call, but he would be willing to give up his position to younger talented players.
"I think I'm old. I've come a long way and played many tournaments. I don't think I will continue to compete in the 2024 AFF Cup because I need to make room for young players," the left back said.
Another Thai star, Supachok Sarachat, sobbed in the technical area. The striker playing for J1 League club Consadole Sapporo played well and created many opportunities but his teammates wasted them. He then had to leave the field in the second half due to injury.
President of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) Nualphan Lamsam (Madam Pang) also cried and apologized to fans. "The players were only a goal away [from advancing]," she said. "I'm sorry. I understand the high expectations fans have for the day Thailand play in the World Cup."
The FAT president (2nd, L) also revealed that the group of veteran players were depressingly sad and desperate because they no longer had the chance to fulfill their dreams.
Striker Suphanat Mueanta, playing for OH Leuven in Belgium, received a lot of criticism for wasting too many chances in the 1-1 draw against China on June 6 and the 3-1 win over Singapore on June 11.
"I'm really sorry because I had many chances but couldn't score," said the 22-year old striker.
Coach Masarada Ishii also apologized to Thai fans.
But before that, he went to comfort the players after the full-time whistle. He took responsibility for not being able to beat China in the previous game.
The Japanese coach replaced Mano Polking in December 2023, after the first two matches of the second qualifying round. In the next four matches, Masarada helped Thailand gain five points, including one draw against South Korea. But it was not enough to take them through.
Thailand dominated Singapore with 35 shots but only scored three goals. Bunmathan, at the age of 34, still made his mark by netting the first and third goals, while also revealing his superhuman stamina by constantly running tirelessly for the game's full 90 minutes.
Thailand opened the scoring in the 37th minute after a close-range shot by Suphanat Mueanta (number 17). After that, he continuously missed myriad good scoring chances.
Striker Ikhsan Fandi (L) was the one who broke Thailand's defense with a beautiful long-range shot in the 57th minute to equalize 1-1, forcing the host to score at least three more goals to advance.
