FA Cup Final
Chonburi 1-1 Chiang Rai United
(Chiang Rai Utd won on penalties)
Thammasat Stadium
Sunday 11th April, 20212
Match Report
by Russ John
Coming into the final as underdogs after a magnificent semi final win over Buriram Utd gave the Sharks a chance to both rekindle the glories of the past and to resurrect a rather lackluster season.
The Sharks pressed early, moving forward confidently with Eliandro a persistent threat.
This early pressure paid off when Chatmongkol Rueangthanarot struck from close range in the 31st minute to put the Sharks into a deserved lead.
Chonburi continued to press but, like silent assassins, the under performing Beetles struck back when Siwakorn Tiatrakul equalised from 12 yards with a sweet strike in the 40th minute.
As the first half concluded the sides were deadlocked at one apiece but with the Sharks looking the more dangerous side.
The second half early action saw a more forceful Chiang Rai Utd with the Sharks in danger of sitting too deep - a dangerous strategy in my opinion. Despite this the Sharks were able to break forward effectively in what was becoming an enthralling and closely fought encounter but at full time, neither side was able to secure a winner and the game entered 30 minutes of extra time.
As extra time progressed, the Sharks created a couple of chances including a Worachit drive that was deflected just wide of the post but Chiang Rai Utd, like a ticking time bomb, lurked ominously without playing particularly well.
Extra time ended with now the dreaded penalty kicks to decide the destination of the silverware. Misses by Eliandro and Kroekrit in the first series of five penalties meant that the cup was heading north with the exultant Beetles.
A great effort by the Sharks and a cruel defeat after a match in which they largely outplayed their opponents. Chiang Rai Utd again showed that they have a real trophy winning mentality and that they really know how to manufacture wins from relatively little.
Match Report
by Ta Lao
WHAT. A. GAME. It’s been tough times in Thailand lately with all the new COVID-19 wave, these two sides have made sure to put on a good show. Simply entertaining back and forth action.
Chonburi came in with a lot of energy after taking down Buriram Utd. They started brightly today thanks to Chatmongkol. What a player he is, the combination play with Channarong is going to be the future of Thailand. The Sharks also kept things going with a great plays but couldn’t earn a second goal. Out of nowhere Chiang Rai Utd tied things up thanks to Sivakorn. Sweet left foot.
Second half was tight all the way until the end. Lots of close calls but Chonburi not clinical finishing in front of goal. Then extra time came, still more of the same with lots of good looks in front of goal from both teams.
Penalties came and I put a smile on my face initially because I predicted a Chonburi win (on pens). However, Kroekrit the team captain misses the vital fifth penalty before Chotipat the young speedster from up north kills the game off.
Quality game from a neutral perspective. Love every minute of it. I will miss Thai football …
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