BANGKOK (16 Dec 2014) – Thailand dominated the early years but it was downhill after that as they lost their last three AFF Suzuki Cup final appearances. After claiming the inaugural title in 1996, they went on to bag two more victories in 2000 and 2002.
But the glory years, which also saw them dominate the SEA Games, soon ended as they lost in the 2006, 2008 and 2012 finals.
Fast forward to 2014, Thailand are in their seventh final and eager to wrest the AFF Suzuki for the first time in 12 years.
“It has been a long wait and we want to bring the title back to the Thai people,” said Choketawee Promrut, the assistant who sat in for head coach Kiatisuk “Zico” Senamuang at today’s pre-match Press Conference.
Expectations are running high in Bangkok ahead of tomorrow’s final. Tickets for the final are a most sought after commodity now after selling out within hours of going on sale. Fans are looking forward to a big win for their team in the first leg.
Confidence is also running high in the team as they have not lost any matches since the tournament started last month.
“We have not lost since the group campaign and we can feel the confidence in the team. We lost in the last few finals and we want to change this. It is time for us to change history.”
He said the team needed to win the first leg as anything could happen in Kuala Lumpur.
“The pressure is on us but I think that we can handle it as a team. Our thoughts focused on winning this game and make sure we have a good advantage before the second leg.”
