Thailand meets Vietnam in AFF Cup final
The disadvantage of losing 0-1 in the first leg did not cause Thailand to rush up. They maintained a slow controlling style in the early game, gradually pushing Malaysia to their field. This is in contrast to Malaysia, who started off proactively with a pressing style of play. However, Thailand only hit the ball on the wing, to avoid facing the risk of being counter-attacked.
After 10 minutes, the Malaysian defense faced continuous crosses from both sides and gradually made mistakes in position. Sharul Nazeem's header prevented Suphanan Bureerat's cross from Teerasil Dangda. But when it came to leaving Theerathon Bunmathan free on the left wing, the away team immediately paid the price. The Thai captain's cross created conditions for Teerasil to head the ball at close range while Sharul picked up the wrong spot.
This is a familiar attack from Thailand at the AFF Cup 2022. Theerathon, who was assigned by Coach Polking as a central midfielder, swapped positions with Bordin Phala, causing the opponent's defenders to catch off guard. With the ability to cross the ball accurately, the harmony between Theerathon and Teerasil was promoted and many times helped Thailand unlock crowded defenses. This assist once again confirmed the 32-year-old's position as the best passer in the AFF Cup 2022.
The opening goal removed psychological pressure for Thailand. The burden now falls on Malaysia even though it is still tied 1-1 after two rounds. The guest players use tricks and drastic kicks to disrupt the opponent's play. But Thailand is not trapped. Malaysia had a few chances at the end of the first half, but in general, the army under coach Kim Pan-gon could not make sharp coordination as in the first leg. Deng Lok's header hit the goalkeeper's position is their rare remarkable combination.
The two coaches had their own plans at the beginning of the second half. While Mr. Kim strengthened his defense by withdrawing midfielder Hakim Hassan and bringing in defender Ruventhiran, Polking unexpectedly replaced Teerasil with Adisak Kraisorn. The Thai coach's adjustment was more effective while Ruventhiran made a mistake in position for Ekanit Panya to exploit in this situation when the player stretched for Bordin Phala to increase the score to 2-0.
At this time, Malaysia can still continue with the away goal rule if they concede the opponent's goal. But this is too difficult for them. Faisal Halim, who has scored four goals from the start of the tournament and is the visitors' number one hope, showed his impotence with an inaccurate long-range shot on the rare occasion of stealing the ball in the Thai half.
20 minutes before the end of the second half, Thailand ended the opponent's hope when Adisak took the opportunity from Suphanan's cross, kicking the net when goalkeeper Syihan Azmi was defeated. The Thai striker broke down after this goal. At the 2018 AFF Cup, Adisak was the criminal of Thailand when he missed the penalty kick in injury time, causing them to be eliminated by Malaysia in the semi-finals.
Leading with a total score of 3-1, Thailand played comfortably for the rest of the time. They even made a few moves to tease the opponent, making Malaysia unable to control. Out on the field, Coach Polking hid for the students to stop this. Adisak had a chance to score but missed, as did Peeradol, who had three unsuccessful attempts late in the game.
With this victory, Thailand will reunite with rival Vietnam in the finals of the first leg and return on January 13 and 16, respectively. "War Elephants" will have the opportunity to improve their record of six championships.
