FA Cup Final
Chonburi 1-1 Chiang Rai United
(Chiang Rai Utd won on penalties)
Thammasat Stadium
Sunday 11th April, 2021
Match Report
by Gian Chansrichawla
Firstly, credit to Chonburi for starting an FA Cup final with seven players aged 23 or under, with three of them being teenagers. For all the valid criticisms of the club, their bravery and commitment to young players is something to be admired and will certainly serve them well going forward.
Despite their youthfulness, Chonburi held their own well and arguably dominated the majority of the first half. The quality and fight on display was impressive, and none of the side’s youngsters looked fazed by the occasion; in fact, for some, it might have been the best performance I have seen from them to date.
In the wider context of the league, Chonburi are one of the best when it comes to bringing through top talents. A number of players who have already made first-team appearances are still eligible for the U21 Youth League (whenever it does happen), and they have tended to give players chances at far earlier ages than most of their counterparts.
It is said that defeat can often be more valuable and instructive than victory, and the mere fact that those boys got a chance to play on such a stage is a major positive. If managed correctly from here, they will have many more chances to bring glory back to Chonburi, and could use this game as a launching pad for future success.
However, it certainly is a big if. Sasom Pobprasert has earned plaudits for taking his side to the final, and made some brave tactical choices today which came very close to paying off. He can hardly be blamed for the defeat, but his longer track record with the club certainly warrants criticism. Dale’s piece tracking the points-per-game averages over the seasons makes the point perfectly.
Even though I am still doubtful that Sasom is the man to lead this club into the future, these last two games have certainly softened that view. Chonburi’s cup run has bought him time; here’s hoping that it’s not time wasted for a very promising group of players.
Match Report
by Grant Aitken
I was pleased to see two teams committed to developing young players make the final. It’s a positive message for Thai football. The FA cup is the only major trophy missing from Muangthong’s resume so it is a competition I hold in high regard. The semifinals were closely fought and I was looking forward to the season’s finale.
I finished work and eagerly begun to stream the match as my wife drove me home. Upon switching on, I was greeted a picturesque shot of the floodlit Thammasat pitch behind one of the goals. I assumed it had been taken earlier as the stadium was empty, but the players emerging from the tunnel was a sad reminder that the match would be played behind closed doors, something which had slipped my mind. I made it home having watched the first 20mins from a phone screen. The Sharks looked largely on top up to this point. After switching my viewing to a TV set, the desolateness of the stadium and the lack of atmosphere really started to resonate.
Had it been my own team I’m sure I’d have been on the edge of my seat at this point. They could have decided the match via a best of 100 hundred staring contest and I’d still have been fixated had Muangthong been involved. However, as a neutral, I’m ashamed to say I could barely keep my eyes open for the duration of the match. Nothing against the game quality, it had its moments, but after months of being blessed with partial attendances in Thai league football, I’d forgotten how bleak the game was without them. My interest in the match peaked and waned at various points as both teams made tentative attempts to gain control, Chonburi in the 1st half whilst Chiang Rai looked more assertive in the second period.
However, all throughout, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the occasion deserved better than the “friendly” atmosphere provided. There was nothing that could be done, it is what it is, and this option is certainly better than canceling the game. Although, I do feel for both sets of supporters that didn’t get the full experience the final deserved. Having reached the last two, the teams earn the right to be the centre of attention for the day but the most important ingredient of a captivating football match was omitted from the outset.
Ultimately, there was little to separate the two sides and penalties seemed inevitable. Chiang Rai ended the match with another trophy to add to their impressive recent haul, whilst the young Chonburi team will have new found confidence due to their progress in the cup. There are many positives to draw from the match, but the relief that the season had managed to reach its closure had unfortunately replaced the celebration the season’s pinnacle match should have been.
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