Butler's high-line defence exposed ruthlessly by Thailand

Bangladesh women's football team suffered a 5-1 defeat to Thailand in their second and final FIFA international friendly at the 72nd Anniversary Stadium in Bang Mod, Bangkok, on Monday.

Playing with a high defensive line and showing sluggish movement at the back, the women in red and green were exposed repeatedly by Thailand's pace and precision. The hosts, ranked 51 places above Bangladesh in the FIFA standings, demonstrated their superiority throughout both friendlies, following up a 3-0 win in the first match with another emphatic victory.

The two friendlies were part of Bangladesh's preparations for next year's AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, and the results highlighted the significant gap that still exists between Bangladesh and the top-tier Asian nations. The British head coach, Peter Butler, now faces the challenge of tightening his defence and improving the team's physical conditioning before heading to Australia in March for the Asian Cup.

Butler had publicly questioned the attitude and mindset of some of his players after the first defeat, but he appeared more satisfied after their final training session before the second match. Still, he warned of Thailand's strength -- the former Women's Asian Cup champions, who have reached the tournament's final round 17 times.

Although Butler made some adjustments to the system, he opted to retain his preferred high-line defence -- a decision that proved costly. Thailand's physically stronger and faster forwards repeatedly breached Bangladesh's backline, scoring three goals within the first 35 minutes.

Thai midfielders and defenders frequently exploited space behind Bangladesh's defence with long balls and incisive through passes, leaving defenders Afeida Khandakar, Kohati Kisku, and Sheuli Azim struggling to keep up. Goalkeeper Rupna Chakma was often forced to come off her line to deny further damage.

Shamsunnahar Jr scored the only goal for Bangladesh. Photo: Thailand FA

Bangladesh, meanwhile, tried to build attacks through winger Ritu Porna Chakma, who showed determination but found it difficult to break through Thailand's composed defence. Long-range efforts from Bangladesh also failed to trouble the opposition, though Shamsunnahar Jr's glancing header provided a rare highlight and a small boost of confidence for the forwards.

Despite the heavy defeat, Butler remained positive about his team's effort and potential.

"We have to be honest with ourselves -- we're not at their level," Butler said in a video message after the match. "We played a very, very good team with some wonderful players. They're stronger and fitter than our girls, but I'm proud of them. They never gave up."

He added: "I'm pleased with certain aspects of our game, though we'll always struggle physically and with limited resources and training facilities. I don't believe in the blame game or making excuses. This environment is difficult, but I'm not despondent. I'm disappointed with some of the goals we conceded, but I'm very positive moving forward. I know the problems -- and I know the answers to fix them."