Thailand settle for second spot
Despite their 1-0 loss to arch-rivals Vietnam in the AFF U23 Championship title showdown on Saturday night, Thailand coach Salvador Garcia has no doubts about his men’s potential to get better.
Bao Tuan towered above a couple of Thai defenders in the first-half injury time to head home the winner at Morodok Techo Stadium in Phnom Penh, giving Vietnam their maiden title in the regional event.
Garcia lauded his players for making an all-out effort in the final against Vietnam.
“The players gave everything they had in the final, so there is no regret. Like what I said previously, this team is here to grow,” said Garcia.
“The team gets to play some games against older players and this is a great chance for them to continue to develop as a team.”
Later upon the team’s arrival in Bangkok yesterday, the Spanish coach added: “This tournament was the best trial for our team and it was a good preparation for the future tournaments.
“We have to develop this squad continuously for the Junior World Cup finals and that is the main target.
“I think we have a good level and we will try to keep working to achieve our goal.”
The Thais dominated for the most part in the first half before Vietnam succeeded in finding a foothold in the midfield and their efforts paid off late in the first half.
Thailand goalkeeper Narongsak Nueangwongsa’s punched clearance of a corner kick allowed Phan Tuan Tai to put the ball into the mix once again. Despite being marked by two Thai defenders, Toan rose the highest and kept his header beyond the reach of the keeper.
Vietnam head coach Dinh The Nam said: “I am very pleased with how they played tonight as they showed a lot of courage. And the replacement players who came in did very well.
“They did what I expected of them and I can’t ask for more. I told the players that while we need to be attack-minded, we also have to control the midfield.”
Timor Leste and Laos shared the third spot in the competition.
BURIRAM EXTEND LEAD
Buriram United routed Nakhon Ratchasima 3-0 in a northeastern derby last night to widen the gap at the top and further tighten their grip on the Thai League 1 title.
Jonathan Bolingi’s opener was followed by goals from Supachai Chaided and Suphanat Mueanta to seal three points for the Thunder Castle.
Port, playing their first game since the resignation of their head coach Sarawut Treephan last week, were shocked 2-0 at home by relegation-threatened Samut Prakan City.
Chayawat Srinawong and Chaiyawat Buran were on target for the visitors in either half as Port were left reeling in eighth place in the league. Two key Port players — Sergio Suarez and Adisorn Promrak — were sent off late in the match.