BANGKOK (10 Dec 2014) – Three-time champions Thailand qualified for their seventh final in the history of the tournament after defeating 10-men Philippines 3-0 in the second-leg AFF Suzuki Cup semifinals in front of over 40,000 fans at the Rajamangala Stadium here tonight.
Thailand, seeking for their first title in 12 years since winning the crown in 2002, will either face Vietnam or Malaysia in the two-leg final which will take place on Dec 17 (Bangkok) and Dec 20 (Hanoi).
In tonight’s tie, the Thais, who were held to a 0-0 draw in the first leg, started without two key strikers – the suspended Adisak Kraison and the injured Kirati Keawsombut.
With anyone to lead the attack, Thai coach Kiatisuk “Zico” Senamuang turned to Channathip Songkrasin, popularly known as Messi J, to do the job.
And Zico only had to wait for seven minutes to see his plan fall into place.
Messi J, the smallest player on the pitch, saw his chance and blasted the Thais ahead with a cracker from outside the box. The goal clearly inspired the team as they took their fight to their rivals.
The Thais tried to add more goals but the Filipinos stood fast and turned away all attempts that went their way. After the break, the Thais stepped up the pace and struck twice through Kroekrit Thawikan in the 57th and 86th minutes.
The Philippines turned in a creditable performance, especially their defence, but there was little they could do to put the brakes on the Thais. Even at two-goals down the Philippines were still in with a chance as a goal would have put them on level terms due to the away goals rule.
But then Martin Markus Steuble picked up a second booking in the 82nd minute and was sent off by Korean referee Kim Sang Woo.
Despite the sending off, the Philippines tried to push on for the one crucial goal. However, Kroekrit’s goal in the 85th minute which saw him weave his way into the box and place his shot into the far corner, ended it for the visitors.
Philippines coach Thomas Dooley congratulated the Thais.
“They deserved to win today. We were hoping to avoid mistakes and play our best and hope they would have a bad game, but that was not to be.
When you have a packed stadium supporting the team and pushing them to do well, it’s difficult.”
Thai coach Kiatisak was delighted and thanked the fans and his players.
“They fans were great and supported us all the way. I am happy we could give them this win today. We wanted three points here and we got it. We want to win the cup and it does not matter which team we meet in the final.
THE TEAMS
THAILAND: Kawin Thamsatchanan (GK, cpt), Perapat Notechaiya, Kroekrit Thawikan (Chainarong Tatong 89th), Suttinun Phukhom, Sarach Yooyen, Charyl Yannic Chappuis, Mongkol Thosakrai (Sarawut Masuk 77th), Prakrit Deeprom (Adul Lahsom 84th), Narubadin Weerawatnodom, Tanaboon Kesarat, Chanathip Songkrasin.
Head coach: Kiatisuk Senamuang
PHILIPPINES: Patrick Philip Bravo Deyto (GK), Robert James Gier (cpt), Maneul Gelito Ott, Misagh Medina Bahadoran, Philip James Younghusband, Daisuke Caumanday Sato (Patrick Alcala Reichfelt, 32nd), Amani Manuel Santos Aguinaldo, Jerry Ruben Lucena, Martin Markus Pineda Steuble, Paul De La Crus Mulders (Christopher Greatwich 73rd), Simone Mondiali Rota (Mark Hartmann 67th).
Head coach: Thomas Dennis Dooley
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Kim Sang Woo (Kor)
Assistant referee 1: Lee Jung Min (Kor)
Assistant referee 2: Choi Min Byoung (Kor)
Fourth Official: Kim Daeyoung (Kor)
Match Commissioner: Dato’ Yap Nyim Keong (DO KL)
Referee Assesor: Mohamed Rodzali Yacob (DO KL)
General Coordinator: Joseph Samuel (AFF)
