SINGAPORE (15 June 2015) – Thailand picked up their second football gold medal in two editions of the SEA Games when they beat Myanmar 3-0 in the final that was played tonight at the National Stadium.
“Myanmar were compact in the first half and they relied on the counter attacks,” said Thai coach Choketawee Promrut. “It made things hard for us but we changed our tactics to go wide and that made the difference.”
The win, regarded as the mother of all gold medals at the SEA Games, is a perfect end to Thailand’s domination of the biennial multi sport events where they will also be crowned the overall champions tomorrow night.
But tonight, it all belonged to Thai captain Sarach Yooyen and his men.
They dominated from end to end as they restricted a spirited Myanmar side to just a few attempts.
Myanmar tried to put things together for a semblance of a chance at goal but Thura Shine and Naing Kaung Sat just could not be effective getting into the Thai box.
However, if there is one person from the Myanmar camp who deserved applause, it would be goalkeeper Phyo Kyaw Zin, who frustrated Chananan Ponbupha and Chanathip Songkrasin on more than a few occasions.
The Magway custodian were in excellent form as he thwarted attempts after attempts from the Thai forwardline to leave both teams on equal terms at the end of an exhilarating first half.
But the Thais were not to be denied and with ample quality at their disposals, it was a matter of time before they prised open the Myanmar defence.
Just nine minutes into the second half and Kyaw Zin’s goal was breached for the first timewhen Tanab oon Kesarat stabbed home following some poor clearance from the Myanmar defence.
Ten minutes later, Thailand then doubled the advantage when Chanthip provided the cross for Chananan to slot the ball home.
Substitute Pinyo Inpinit then wrapped up the fabulous win for Thailand with the third goal of the game in the 78th minute as he beat his marker to roll the ball in past a static Kyaw Zin.
“We missed the target of winning the gold medal. I feel sad for the Myanmar fans,” said Myanmar coach Kyi Lwin. “The players tried their best, so there is no point in blaming anyone.”
RESULT – 15 June 2015
Final
Thailand 3 Myanmar 0
