SINGAPORE - With two wins from two so far, it has been par for the course for Thailand at the 2024 ASEAN Championship.
After a staggering 10-0 win over Timor-Leste, the Thais followed up with a narrow 1-0 win over Malaysia as they look to claim an unprecedented third title in a row, and a record-extending 8th overall crown.
The fact that Thailand are without a whole host of established stars at the tournament -- including Chanathip Songkrasin, Theerathon Bunmathan and Teerasil Dangda -- has made their start all the more impressive, with some less-familiar names coming to the fore.
When it became apparent that the tournament would clash with the domestic Thai League 1 calendar and thus rob the War Elephants of some of their more-prominent players, it became apparent that -- while going all the way remained the goal -- there could also be some long-term benefits to be gained.
And Thailand coach Masatada Ishii admits that looking ahead to the next edition of the Asian qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup, given they are no longer in the running for 2026, has been one of their objectives.
"Everyone knows we can no longer qualify for the 2026 World Cup," Ishii said, at Monday's prematch news conference ahead of their meeting with Singapore.
"If we look at the next World Cup, we need to start preparing the new generation as soon as we can -- from now.
"Looking at our performances so far, there have - and will continue to be - some mistakes but we still have plenty of time to develop to prepare for the next edition of the World Cup.
"Of course, I'm happy that we've won the first two matches but more important is the fact that we haven't conceded any goals.
"Now we have to look at the third match to get another three points."
One of the more-experienced members of the squad despite his relative youth is Suphanat Mueanta, who was named Player of the Match in both their victories so far.
Nonetheless, others have also shone including Patrik Gustavsson, who is one of five Thailand players with two goals to his name already in his ASEAN Championship debut.
"I think we've started very well in the first two games," he said. "Of course, there are always improvements to adjust for the upcoming again but we're well prepared for tomorrow.
"Singapore have also started really well, winning their first two games. I think it'll be fun.
"I hope there will be a lot of fans to add to the energy. We both want to win. I expect them to give 100% and we'll do our best too."