AFF BIDC U16: Thailand Crush Australia to Make Final

PHNOM PENH (7 Aug 2015) – Thailand made the final of the AFF BIDC Under-16 Championship when they crushed favourites Australia 3-2 in the second semi-final that was played this evening at the National Olympic Stadium.

The Australians who were unbeaten all throughout the group stage, went into the game right from the get-go but tried as hard as they could from the left to the right or even from the middle, the Thai defence just refused to budge.

With inspirational captain Hassawat Nopnate pulling the strings from the centre of the park, the Thais continued to frustrate Australia while at the same time look for spaces to go forward.

And it was Thailand who who came close with Jinnawat Russamee blasting in wide while some time later, a stiff grounder from Tharadorn Sornyoha came off the uprght.

Australia finished the first half with their first real chance from Eduardo Castaneda that came off the underside of the crossbar.

Following the first-half deadlock, the Thais turned up the charm in the 48^th minute with a brilliant run down the left from Tharadorn whose cross was met with a flick from Jinnawat.

And four minutes later, Hassawat made it 2-0 when he linked up with Jinnawat to score from the edge of the box.

Australia were feeling the pressure and the change for Rahmat Akbari in place of Lachlan Brooks gave them some pace but they still continued to struggle against a confident Thai side.

In the 70^th minute, Thailand piled further misery on the Australians when Korwawich Tasa sneaked in from the far post before turning a defender to beat keeper Nathan Prince for the third time on the night.

But the loss of Sumana Salapphet two minutes later to a second yellow card would give Australia the advantage.

A penalty from John Roberts in the 73^rd minute and then Dylan Pierias six minutes later were the closest that Australia got to drawing the game.