Thailand 3-2 Malaysia: Match Report
by Matt Riley
FAT Head Worawi Makudi made the journey to this evening's match armed with one million Baht for the players if they beat Malaysia. Reports that the two hour thunderstorm was caused by his arrival have yet to be confirmed, but there is usually a dark cloud not far behind the diminutive overseer of Thailand's tailspin over the last decade.
The only cup final appearance between these countries came in the first tournament of 1996 when Thailand came out 1:0 winners. Since then, Thailand have accumulated a hat trick of championships whilst Harimau Malaya won it once, beating Indonesia in 2010. Thailand also have the upper hand in both semi-final encounters. They won 2:0 in 2000 and 3:1 last time out, but the five group stage match ups have been more even. Both teams have won two and there has been one draw. Thailand made five changes from the team that beat Singapore. Out went Notechaiya, Boonyong and Daosawang from defence, leaving only Piomrakth (on a yellow card) from the last match. Deeprom and Tossakrai were taken out of midfield as Narubadin, Saruwat, captain Anucha, Tanaboon and twinkle toes Chanathip started in a bold move by coach Kiatisuk Senamuang. Malaysia had the enforced absence of red-carded Gary Robbat, but Azammudin also made way with Safiq Bin Rahim and Mod Safee starting down the spine of the team in midfield and upfront respectively.
This was a matchup of the thundering Malaysian players who lacked pace but had power and the lightning fast Thai players striking all over the pitch, particularly the wide areas where the Malaysian defenders were reluctant to be dragged out of position for fear of being exposed for pace. Malaysia stuck with their 4-4-2 formation and Thailand their more flexible, but brittle under pressure, 4-2-3-1.Thailand increasingly dominated possession from the start and regularly bore down on the Malaysian goal orchestrated by Chanatip. He put Kirati through on nine minutes but his shot was smartly saved by Che Mat. Kunalin was lucky not to be cautioned on 13 minutes for his barge on Tanaboon.
Then came the Malaysian goal. Yah Yah was given too much time to line up his shot from the edge of the area and his hard, low strike went past Kawin's despairing hands and into the bottom right hand corner of his net. The game was dynamic and open with both teams continuing to trade shots from outside the area as the half started its third act. Chanathip should have equalised from the edge of the area on 32 minutes after excellent linking play down the right, but his hard low strike flashed past the post. Thailand took Kirati off after 41 minutes for Adisak and seconds after coming on he got the equaliser. A beautifully weighted and angled cross from Chappuis down the left was smartly turned in under intense pressure beneath the despairing body of Che Mat. It was fully deserved for the War Elephants, but Safee almost hit an outrageous equaliser from inside his own half that struck the Thai crossbar with Kawin a spectator.
Kunalan was taken off at half time by Malaysia for Indra Putra who was immediately cautioned for a scything challenge on Narubadin. After five minutes the game reverted to the first half of mesmerising runs by the Thais keeping Harimau Malaya on the back foot with the increasing concern that their first-game draw created. After 55 minutes the Thais took off Sarawut and brought on Chainarong as a sign of attacking intent now they had the ascendency: a creative and brave move by Thai coach "Zico." But on sixty minutes Safiq was allowed to waltz through the heart of the Thai defence and, as the defence parted in front of him, he placed his low shot powerfully past Kawin's left hand and into the net. Malaysian captain Shukor was cautioned on 65 minutes for a kick out at Chanatip, but the Thais were being closed down much more effectively in the second forty five.
Afif was given unbelievable space on 70 minutes in the Thai six yard box, but the defender showed why he should be kept well away from the opposition box with a shot like a sand wedge. Chanathip struck the Malaysian post with Che Mat well beaten on 72 minutes but seconds after Thailand were back in it when Chanatip laid it back for Chappuis to gleefully slam the ball into the net. Norshahrul was taken off for Manaf, but seconds earlier Adisorn was very lucky to escape a red card when his kindergarten-powered elbow off the ball wasn't spotted by the officials. That might come back to haunt him. Chainarong was taken off for Thailand for Prakit on eighty minutes and Thailand were now in complete control with Chanathip running the show. In the last minute Shukor came off for Hafiz, but seconds before the end Adisak (who was lucky to be on the pitch) beautifully touched the ball forward in the Malaysians box to escape his marker before emphatically slamming it past Che Mat.
The Thai will feel like a million dollars after this win, but they will have to settle for Thai Baht for now.
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