Thailand struck a 90th-minute winner to book their place in the semifinals of the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup with a 3-2 victory over Malaysia in Singapore on Wednesday evening.
It was Harimau Malaya who opened the scoring two minutes before the half-hour mark at the Jalan Besar Staium. Amri Yahyah found space on the edge of the box and proceeded to steer his shot into the bottom corner.
But in the 43rd minute, Adisak Kraisorn, who had just come on for Kirati Keawsombat two minutes earlier, pulled Thailand level. He raced into the box to meet Charyl Chappuis' left-wing cross and prodded a first-time effort past the on-rushing Khairul Fahmi.
The Malaysians were able edge ahead once more in the 61st minute through a fine individual strike by Safiq Rahim. He made his way to the penalty spot after skipping past two challenges, finding the back of the net with a low curler.
Nonetheless, the War Elephants hit back once more 11 minutes later -- this time through Chappuis, who latched onto a cutback from Chanathip Songkrasin before sending an emphatic drive into the top corner.
And as the clock ticked towards injury time, it was the Thais who went on to claim the victory when Prakit Deeprom broke free down the right before drilling in a cross to Adisak. He instantly brought the ball under control with his first touch before smashing the winner past Fahmi.
The result was enough to seal a top-two finish in Group B, as well as a place in the last four, for Thailand. They need only a point in their final game against Myanmar to guarantee top spot.
War Elephants boss Kiatisuk Senamuang hailed his team's fighting spirit after being reminded it was the first time they had been able to overturn a deficit since he took over.
"Since I became coach of the national team, we have never been able to come from behind and win," he said.
"The players did not give up and that is why we managed to get the three points.
"Malaysia are very strong and I respect Dollah Salleh because he's built a very good team with experienced players.
"Before the match, I warned my players not to expect an easy game and you can see they gave us problems, especially in the first half.
"Now we're through to the last four but it must not stop here. Hopefully we'll have more success in the semifinals and the final."
Meanwhile, Malaysia boss Dollah refused to throw in the towel, despite his side needing to beat co-hosts Singapore in their final Group B game to have any chance of qualifying.
"I'm very happy with the boys and proud of how they played," he said. "The only thing that didn't go our way today was the final result.
"But I don't think it's over just yet. I thought we were superb today and if we can play the same way against Singapore, I don't think we'll have a problem against them."
No comments:
Post a Comment