'Madam Pang' is not satisfied with Thai public goods
Thailand controlled the ball 80%, launched 33 shots, hit 16 and scored five goals against the weakest opponent in Group A Brunei. However, Ms. Pang said that the home team should have taken advantage of the opportunity better. "The finishing phase was not sharp, urgently needed improvement. Fortunately, we fought to the end before scoring three more goals at the end of the game," she said after the match at KLFA.
Without many stars, this tournament Thailand put their faith in some new players. In the first half, they led Brunei 2-0 thanks to Bordin Phala and Teerasil Dangda. In the second half, Thailand struggled to find their way into the Brunei goal, before scoring three goals in the last five minutes with a brace from youngster Peeradon Chamratsamee and an own goal from Awangku Yura.
After the comments, Madam Pang switched to encouraging Thai players, which promised to pump bonuses if they reached the semi-finals. "Knowing that people work hard and sacrifice, I will reward 5 million baht (about 3.5 billion dong)," Ms. Pang said. "We don't put too much pressure on and this is an encouragement for the whole team to keep trying."
Meanwhile, coach Mano Polking expressed satisfaction with the victory because the first match was always difficult. At the same time, he disagreed with the assessment of the team playing sluggish. "We created 15, 16 chances to score," he said. "But still have to try to improve to do better in the next game."
Polking also said that the home team was under pressure as the defending champion, so it was forced to prepare better this time.
Yesterday's victory helped Thailand lead Group A, followed by Cambodia when defeating the Philippines 3-2. In the second turn on December 23, Thailand was given a break, while the defending runner-up Indonesia played the opening match against Cambodia at home. The other match took place between the Philippines and Brunei.
Thailand will return in the third match against the Philippines at home on December 26.
