Bắc Ninh
Thailand beat Philippines in dramatic ASEAN Cup semis to set up final against Vietnam
Suphanat Muenta scored a crucial late goal in extra time to secure Thailand's 3-1 victory over the Philippines in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup semifinals (4-3 on aggregate), setting a final showdown with Vietnam.
The clash at Rajamangala Stadium on Monday night proved to be one of the most thrilling games in ASEAN Cup history. Trailing 1-2 from the first leg, Thailand turned the tide around quickly with goals from Peeradol Chamrasamee and Patrik Gustavsson in the 37th and 54th minute to make it 3-2 on aggregate.
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The match between Thailand and the Philippines. |
However, the resilient Philippines demonstrated why they had been a formidable force in the tournament, having previously drawn with Vietnam and defeated Indonesia in the group stage. Bjorn Martin Kristensen’s composed and stunning long-range finish in the 84th minute made it 3-3 across the two legs.
As the second half drew to a close, the Philippines came so close to scoring a winner, with Amani Aguinaldo, Javier Gayoso and Kristensen threatening Thailand’s goal repeatedly. However, goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai’s outstanding efforts kept the hosts in the game with amazing saves.
The match went into extra time, where the Philippines’ superior fitness and relentless pressure tested the limits of Thailand’s exhausted players. Many of their fans in the stands must have prayed as they watched the Philippines constantly threaten Khammai’s goal. The visitors missed several golden opportunities to deliver the decisive blow and ultimately paid the price for their wasted chances.
In the 98th minute, Thailand coach Masatada Ishii brought on Suphanat Muenta as he saved the star forward until the final moments. Muenta’s impact was almost immediate and crucial. In just 20 minutes on the pitch, he made a difference with a powerful header goal in the 116th minute to seal Thailand’s spot in the final, as the crowd at Rajamangala erupted in euphoria.
Despite the victory, the grueling 120-minute match and an additional 30 minutes of stoppage time across the two legs have taken a toll on Thailand’s physical condition and stamina.
On Tuesday, the team will fly to Vietnam to prepare for the first leg of the final against the hosts on Jan. 2. With just one day of rest, Thailand will need to recover quickly to face coach Kim Sang-sik’s well-rested Vietnam squad.
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