THE HIGH-STAKES QUALIFIER

October 2015 marked a pivotal moment for Thai youth football when the Thai U19 National Team hosted regional giants South Korea at the SCG Stadium (Thunderdome). This was the final, decisive match in the qualification round for the 2016 AFC U19 Championships in Bahrain. The atmosphere was electric, with a massive crowd supporting the young War Elephants.

The pressure was immense: Thailand needed only a draw to top the group, but the South Korean side secured a late 2-1 victory. Despite the loss, both teams successfully qualified for the final tournament in Bahrain, showcasing the high standard of competition in the group.

This match was held exactly ten years ago this month. It remains a historic event that solidified the Thunderdome’s status as a crucial venue for Thailand’s highest-level international football.

KEY FACTS AND THUNDERDOME’S LEGACY

• Match Result: South Korea won 2-1 against Thailand.
• Future Stars This squad featured several of Thailand’s best youth players, many of whom went on to become key players in the Thai League, including MTUTD.
• Tournament Goal: The team successfully secured a spot in the 2016 AFC U19 Championship in Bahrain.
• Legacy: Hosting a national team match of this significance at the Thunderdome underscores the stadium’s status as a premier venue for major Asian football events.