Record Asean Championship Cup winner Thailand, hunting an unprecedented three consecutive titles, will have its work cut out when it faces Vietnam in the second leg of this year’s final tomorrow (9pm).
The War Elephants suffered a 2-1 away defeat on Jan 2 after gifting Vietnam’s Brazilian-born striker Rafaelson two golden chances at the Phu Tho Provincial Stadium.
Rafaelson, who adopted the name Nguyen Xuan Son after gaining Vietnamese citizenship in September, scored in the 59th and 73rd minutes. Chalermsak Aukkee scored Thailand’s consolation, seven minutes from time.
That victory will give Vietnam the confidence to add this year’s title to those it won in 2008 and 2018.
Rafaelson has scored in each of his four games in the tournament, breaking Le Huynh Duc’s national record of scoring in three consecutive matches at the 1996 Asean Championship Cup.
The 27-year-old striker’s seven goals thus far make him Vietnam’s highest scorer in a single Asean Championship Cup tournament, and he vowed to add to that tally in the second leg.
“We need to stay focused. Thailand have many quality players, but we are ready to fight and aim for a win,” he said after the first leg.
“I want to thank the fans for their passionate support and my teammates for their relentless effort on the field.”
Seeking its eighth title, Thailand, champion in 1996, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2020, and 2022, will host the second leg at the Rajamangala National Stadium.
Thailand is not too worried about the deficit, having overcome a similar situation against the Philippines in the two-legged semi-finals.
It lost the away game 2-1 but won the return 3-1 to advance 4-3 on aggregate.
Thailand’s coach, Masatada Ishii, who had to issue an apology after the team’s first-ever defeat to the Philippines in the tournament, was defiant after the loss to Vietnam.
Ishii told a post-match press conference: “Nguyen Xuan Son is a very talented striker, but he wouldn’t have scored today if my players hadn’t made some critical defensive mistakes.
“Football is about looking ahead. Our focus now is on preparing for the second leg.”
Besides Thailand and Vietnam, the other winners of the tournament are Singapore (1998, 2004, 2007, 2012) and Malaysia (2010).
Main image: Thailand FA
