Indian Football Team Fall 0-2 to Thailand in Friendly Despite Promising Play

The Indian men’s football team went down 0-2 to a sharp and efficient Thai side in an international friendly held on June 4, 2025. Despite showing glimpses of creativity and spirit, India paid the price for early defensive lapses and missed chances in both halves.

Thailand, ranked 99th in the FIFA standings and playing in front of a lively home crowd, struck early. In just the 8th minute, Benjamin Davis fired them into the lead with a powerful right-footed finish from outside the box, capitalizing on a smart lay-off by Korawich Tasa. The Indian defence failed to close down in time, giving Davis just enough space to hit his fourth goal in Thai colours.

India, placed 127th in the world, didn’t let the early blow affect their game plan. Slowly but surely, the Blue Tigers found their rhythm, particularly through Liston Colaco, who was lively on the left and combined well with Sunil Chhetri and Ashique Kuruniyan. In the 24th minute, Colaco whipped in a dangerous free-kick that Chhetri headed goalward, only to be denied by a sharp reflex save from Thai keeper Saranon Anuin.

The game opened up as both sides looked to take control. While Thailand tested India with long-range attempts, India had chances of their own. Ashique missed a decent look on goal, and Abhishek’s powerful drive from distance in the 40th minute nearly found the target. The best chance came in added time at the end of the first half, when Chhetri’s sublime through ball found Colaco in behind the defence. One-on-one with the goalkeeper, Colaco couldn’t convert as Saranon stood tall to block the shot.

India started the second half with intent, and Colaco again forced a save from a curling free-kick. But momentum quickly shifted when a poor pass in midfield allowed Thailand to break. In the 59th minute, Poramet Arjvilai spotted Vishal Kaith off his line and struck a brilliant curling shot into the top corner to make it 2-0. It was a moment of individual brilliance that put the game firmly in Thailand’s control.

India didn’t give up. Substitute Lallianzuala Chhangte made a few darting runs, but the final ball was missing. Thailand, on the other hand, nearly made it three late in the game, but Anwar Ali’s timely block saved India from further damage.

Though the final scoreline was a defeat, India will take positives from their play, especially in the first half. With the crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong just around the corner, the performance offered both encouragement and clear lessons. Manolo Márquez and his men now face the tough task of turning intent into impact.

Image Credit: AIFF