Thailand crushes Myanmar in the opening match of U23 Southeast Asia
Thailand beat Myanmar 3-0 in the 32nd SEA Games semi-final in Cambodia in May. When reunited today, coach Issara Sritaro's army continued to show outstanding strength.
Under the cheers of the fans on Rayong Stadium, they created an overwhelming position in the opening game. However, before the majority defense system of Myanmar, the Golden Temple team did not easily create opportunities. They even nearly conceded a goal by the counter attack of the away team. In the 14th minute, Khun Kyaw Zin Hein broke the offside trap, escaped to receive his teammates' slot and finished. If goalkeeper Thirawooth Sraunson had not been able to narrow the angle of Zin Hein's shot and use his foot to block, Thailand's net might have shaken.
Less than a minute later, Thailand's heart skipped a beat. Midfielder captain Songchai Thongcham saved the damage and let Zin Hein steal the ball. But again, "No. 11" could not win against goalkeeper Sraunson because the finish was too gentle.
Having the opportunity but not being able to take advantage, Myanmar paid the price. In the 24th minute, the visitors' center-back let Chukid Wanpraphao press his face, control the ball and then release it to Phodchara Chainarong. Because Swan Htet did not block, Thailand's No. 10 pushed the ball one more beat and shot diagonally to open the score.
Nine minutes later, the gap was doubled. Captain Thet Hein Htet made a mistake, saved it for Chukid to win the ball and then shot past goalkeeper Pyae Phyo Thu.
Thailand then played slowly, in order to preserve the advantage and personnel in the second half. At this time, Myanmar has more possession of the ball, but the pieces are not sharp enough to be able to break the home defense system.
Deadlocked in scoring, the away team also conceded another goal because of a personal error. In the 87th minute, the player replaced Htoo Myat Khant to let Yotsakon Burapha "twist the ribs", then used his hand to block the ball. Korean referee Choi Hyun Hai immediately blew 11m for Thailand. It was Yotsakon who successfully took the free kick, setting the score 3-0.
Despite a good start with three points on the opening day, Thailand was only second in Group A. In the opening match of the tournament, Cambodia defeated Brunei with a score of 5-0.
In the second series, Thailand met Brunei on August 19. At this tournament, Vietnam is in Group C, meeting Laos on August 20 and the Philippines on August 22, respectively.
