Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —
Thailand sure to be a champion AFF Cup 2022 after defeating Vietnam 1-0 in the second leg of the final at Thammasat Stadium, Pathum Thani, Monday (16/1).
This victory made Thailand 3-2 on aggregate after previously being able to hold Vietnam to a 2-2 draw in the first leg which was played at My Dinh, Hanoi, Friday (13/1).
Thailand’s crucial goal in the second leg was scored by the captain, Theerathon Bunmathan in the 24th minute. Receiving Adisak Kraison’s pass, Theerathon fired a right-foot shot from outside the penalty box.
Even though he used his weakest foot, the ball from Theerathon lodged in the right corner of the goal without being able to anticipate Vietnam goalkeeper Dang Van Lam.
Left behind by one goal made Vietnam try to be more aggressive. The impact was that in the 29th minute Vietnam had a golden opportunity through Tien Linh after Weerathep Pomphan made a mistake. Unfortunately Tien Linh’s finish was still sideways on the right side of the goal.
In the rest of the first half, Thailand dominated the game. Despite having two to three good chances, the hosts failed to add a goal.
The 1-0 score for Thailand lasted until the end of the first half.
Entering the second half, Vietnam tried to appear more aggressive. Park Hang Seo’s squad controlled more of the ball, forcing Thailand to play waiting.
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Theerathon Bunmathan became the hero of Thailand’s victory in the 2022 AFF Cup final. (AP Photo/Kittinun Rodsupan)
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However, Thailand’s disciplined defense and calm game made it difficult for Vietnam to score goals.
Vietnam almost scored an equalizer in the 48th minute. Nguyen Hoang Duc fired a hard left-foot shot from outside the penalty box, but it was still slightly off the right side of Kampon’s goal.
Thailand also did not remain silent. A number of quick counterattacks were able to be created but Vietnam’s solid defense was still able to suppress the hosts to double their advantage.
 Thailand beat Vietnam 1-0 in the 2022 AFF Cup final. (AFP/LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA) |
Vietnam continued to apply pressure until the final minutes, but not a single goal could be created. The score 1-0 for Thailand’s advantage ended until the game was over.
This is the seventh title for Thailand in the tournament between Southeast Asian countries. This title further strengthens the title of King of ASEAN for the War Elephant team.
List of Players Thailand vs Vietnam:
Thailand XI: Phatomakkakul; Bureerat, Kaman, Hemviboon, Pomphan, Haiprakhon; Yooyen, Chamrasamee, Bunmathan; Arjvirai, Kraisorn.
Vietnam XI: Van Lam; Van Thanh, Viet Anh, Ngoc Hai, Thanh Binh, Van Hau; Hoang Duc, Hung Dung, Tuan Anh; Tien Linh, Van Duc.
(jun)
