Thailand team cannot break the 'curse', watching Iraq win King's Cup

Despite their best efforts, the Thai team could not create any surprises and suffered a 0-1 defeat to the Iraqi team in the final of the King's Cup 2025, which took place on the evening of September 7.

Overcoming weak opponent Fiji 3-0 in the semi-finals, the Thai team created a "dream" final match of King's Cup 2025 with Iraq. More than ever, defeating a strong opponent from West Asia and winning the championship in the traditional tournament could not be a better way for coach Masatada Ishii and his team to regain the trust of the fans.

However, the Iraqi team is not easy to play against as it is 44 places higher than Thailand on the FIFA rankings. In the past 17 years, the Thai team has met Iraq 5 times and has not been able to win. Therefore, 1 day before the final match, Siamsport commented that the Thai team players must try more than 100% of their ability and not be allowed to make mistakes if they want to break the "curse".

Thai media: Coach Masatada Ishii and his team will face many difficulties against the strength of the Iraqi team

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT

Coach Masatada Ishii clearly showed his determination to win the championship when he fielded the strongest lineup of the current Thai team. In defense, goalkeeper Patiwat, defenders Suphanan, Nattapong, Mickelson were used. Meanwhile, in attack, expected players such as Supachok, Ben Davis, Supachai also started from the beginning.

However, in the first half, the Thai team did not play well, being pressured by Iraq right after the opening whistle. It was not until the last minutes of the half that the Thai team rose up to attack. However, Supachok and his teammates only had 4 shots (1 on target), unable to trouble the Iraqi defense.

On the other side of the front line, the Iraqi team pushed up their attack formation and at times controlled the ball up to 70%. Coach Graham Arnold's team used many high balls, making the Thai team's defense struggle to defend. After the first 45 minutes, Iraq had 9 shots and only luck and the excellence of goalkeeper Patiwat could the Thai team draw 0-0.

The Thai team struggled to defend against Iraq's high balls.

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT

Iraq scored and received two red cards, but Thailand still could not equalize.

After the break, the Thai team made many changes, the most awaited star Chanathip Songkrasin also entered the field. From then on, the home team's play had better connection, creating many dangerous attacking situations. In the 65th minute, Chanathip Songkrasin skillfully backheeled, opening up an open situation for Jaroensak to run in and shoot into the Iraqi team's net. Unfortunately, VAR intervened, determined Jaroensak was offside and did not recognize the goal.

Luckily escaping defeat, the Iraqi team quickly regrouped and launched an attack. In the 75th minute, Mohanad Ali scored a beautiful header, completely defeating goalkeeper Patiwat, opening the score for the Iraqi team. However, just 2 minutes after this goal, the Iraqi team had to play with 10 men on the field when defender Frans Putros fouled Supachok and received a red card.

Playing with one more man in the last 15 minutes, the Thai team pushed up their attack formation. Coach Masatada Ishii's players used a variety of tactics to approach the Iraqi team's goal. Despite having 7 more shots and continuing to play with one more man when Mohanad Ali received a red card (minute 90+5), the Thai team could not penetrate the Iraqi team's net once, losing the match 0-1.

Chanathip Songkrasin (center) entered the field and played outstandingly but not enough to help the Thai team defeat Iraq.

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT

Defeating Thailand 1-0, Iraq was crowned King's Cup 2025 champion. The West Asian representative also received a cash bonus of 2 million baht (over 1.6 billion VND). Notably, this is also the first time in the history of King's Cup that cash was awarded to the champion team. Meanwhile, the Thai team could not break the "curse" of drawing and losing to Iraq in 6 meetings since 2008. The team from the Land of the Golden Pagoda accepted the second place, receiving a bonus of 1 million baht (over 800 million VND).

In the previous match, the Hong Kong team won 8-0 against Fiji to win third place in the King's Cup 2025.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-thai-lan-khong-the-giai-loi-nguyen-nhin-iraq-dang-quang-kings-cup-185250907210049707.htm