Buriram United’s stumble against Port FC, wasn’t simply a case of an upset. A closer look at the data reveals a more nuanced story: a combination of tactical inflexibility from Buriram and a disciplined, well-executed game plan from Port FC, orchestrated by their caretaker manager, Wasapol Kaewpaluk. While Buriram’s season statistics and league position suggested an easy victory, football, as it often does, delivered a stark reminder that data points aren’t always match-winners.
Buriram’s impressive overall record – a 76% win percentage, an average of over three goals per game, and a solid defensive record – painted them as clear favourites. Their home form was particularly dominant, boasting an 82% win rate and a free-flowing attack that averaged over four goals per game. However, Port FC arrived with a specific strategy designed to exploit a potential weakness: Buriram’s reliance on central attacking play.
Port FC’s tactical approach was clear and effective. They congested the midfield, denying Buriram the space to weave their intricate passing patterns through the centre. This forced Buriram into wider positions, where they were compelled to rely on crosses. The sheer number of crosses – 51 in total – testifies to Port FC’s success in dictating the flow of the game. Yet, the low crossing accuracy (just 25.5%) tells a different story. Buriram’s wide play lacked precision, and Port FC’s packed midfield and disciplined defence easily dealt with the aerial threat.
Beyond forcing Buriram wide, Port FC also excelled in individual battles. They boasted a superior duel success rate (54.3% compared to Buriram’s 45.7%), disrupting Buriram’s attempts to build momentum. The aerial duels followed a similar pattern, with Port FC winning a greater proportion (56.3% to 43.8%), effectively clearing the numerous crosses that came their way.
While Port FC’s tactics were undoubtedly effective, Buriram’s own shortcomings contributed to their downfall. Their attacking play lacked variety. When their central passing lanes were closed down, they had no effective alternative to crossing, becoming predictable and easy to defend against. Furthermore, their finishing was wasteful. Despite 25 shots, only seven were on target, a disappointing 28% accuracy. This profligacy in front of goal, combined with their low crossing accuracy, meant that their dominance in possession rarely translated into genuine scoring opportunities.
In summary, this match wasn’t simply a case of Port FC “parking the bus”. Their tactical approach, designed to exploit Buriram’s reliance on central play and force them into less effective wide areas, was executed with discipline and precision. Coupled with Buriram’s own lack of attacking variety and wasteful finishing, the result was a deserved victory for Port FC and a lesson for Buriram. It highlights the importance of tactical flexibility and clinical finishing, even for statistically dominant teams. This defeat serves as a reminder that in football, the best-laid plans, and the most impressive statistics, can be undone by a well-organized and determined opponent.
This weeks other games:
Ratchaburi FC 1-1 Lamphun Warrior (Sat, Feb 1)
Lamphun took an early lead in the 34th minute with a powerful downward header from Bowon at the far post, capitalizing on a set piece. Despite Lamphun’s resolute defending, including numerous goal-line clearances, and Ratchaburi’s poor finishing, the home side finally found an equalizer deep into first-half stoppage time. Thanawat’s fantastic shot from distance took a crucial deflection, leveling the score. Ratchaburi dominated the match, maintaining 78% possession and registering 15 shots on goal compared to Lamphun’s single attempt. Their momentum was disrupted in the 58th minute when Fabinho was sent off after receiving his second yellow card for a cynical foul. Despite the numerical disadvantage and several late penalty shouts for the home side, Lamphun still managed to hold on through extra time for a vital point.
Nongbua Pitchaya 1-1 BG Pathum United (Sat, Feb 1)
The scale of the task facing the incoming BG management team became clearer as they watched their side squander a first-half lead. While the home team entered the match in better form, the Rabbits dominated the opening period and deservedly took the lead in the 11th minute. A fine team move down the left culminated in Thai international Patrik Gustavsson finding the net. The visitors should have sealed the game before half-time, a failure they would rue after the break. The home side returned with renewed vigour and equalised from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute. Conrado converted after he was deemed to have been fouled in the box, a decision confirmed by VAR. Both teams had opportunities to snatch a winner, but inspired goalkeeping ensured the score remained level. Ikhsan was unlucky to have a goal ruled out for offside.
Rayong 2-3 Uthai Thani (Sat, Feb 1)
Uthai Thani took a significant step towards securing their league status with a hard-fought victory in this end-to-end encounter. Rayong struck first within the opening minute, Stenio Jr. finishing clinically after a clever cutback from the right. Ben Davis, the Thailand star midfielder, had a superb volley from a headed assist ruled out for offside in the 23rd minute. However, Davis wasn’t to be denied, and he levelled the score for the visitors in the 37th minute with a well-placed shot. The game remained tightly contested until the final ten minutes, when it burst into life. Uthai Thani scored twice in quick succession, courtesy of Lucas and Duronjic, before Rayong grabbed a consolation goal in extra time with a header from Putthinen.
Bangkok United 2-1 Nakorn Ratchasima (Sun, Feb 3)
Bangkok United maintained their pursuit of league leaders Buriram United with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a determined Nakhon Ratchasima side. Despite falling behind to Deyvison’s first-half header, Bangkok United rallied after the break, with two goals from Muhsen securing the win and keeping the pressure firmly on Buriram.
Chiang Rai United 3-0 Nakon Pathom (Sun, Feb 3)
A brace from Sittichok, along with a Thakdani strike, propelled Lampang FC to a crucial 3-0 victory over Nakhon Pathom. This vital win lifts Lampang clear of the relegation zone and into 11th place. Meanwhile, Nakhon Pathom’s struggles continue, as they now find themselves 7 points adrift of safety.
Sukhothai 1-3 Muangthong United (Sun, Feb 3)
Sukhothai’s impressive home record finally fell as Muangthong United rallied for a 3-1 victory. Despite John Baggio’s sensational halfway-line opener for Sukhothai, Muangthong responded with a Tristan Do top-corner strike before Melvin’s header gave them the lead just before half-time. A late goalkeeping error allowed Kakana to seal the win for the Kirins, inflicting Sukhothai’s first home defeat since August 2024.
Khon Kaen United 1-4 Prachuap (Sun, Feb 3)
Khon Kaen United’s early lead through Phalakon’s deflected goal in the 7th minute proved to be a false dawn as Prachuap FC stormed back to secure a 4-1 victory. Saharat’s free-kick equaliser just before half-time sparked the comeback, and he added a second after the break. Moraes and Santos then piled on the misery for Khon Kaen, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table.
Other news:
Young Thai forward, Erawan Garnier, has earned a coveted training opportunity with Olympique Lyon’s first team. Garnier, a Thailand U20 international, has been given this chance following a period of financial instability at his club, which saw numerous first-team players depart under owner John Textor.
The promising striker’s inclusion in first-team training comes after the appointment of Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca as Lyon’s new head coach. French sports publication L’Equipe reports that Fonseca has selected only two reserve team players for this privilege: Garnier and Romain Perret. This opportunity represents a significant step in Garnier’s development and offers him a platform to impress the new Lyon manager.
Simon Causton is the host of ‘A Thai Football Podcast’ and writer of the ’Tee-Sen" (ที่เส้น) - At the line’ blog which covers all things Thai football.