by Zec Chua, A.K. Vellie Nila and Law Yong Wei | Published on: 15 Jun 2015
Defending champions Thailand lived up to their billing as pre-match favourites when they overcame a gritty Myanmar 3-0 to clinch a second successive SEA Games football gold.
Even coming up against the only other unbeaten side in the competition, Choketawee Promrut’s men went into Monday’s final at the National Stadium as white-hot favourites – especially after a 5-0 demolition of Indonesia in the semi-finals.
Myanmar, however, had added motivation in the form of their 12th man; a rabid support that has been a feature of every match they have played.
With their fans roaring them on, the Burmese got off to a frantic start, pressing their opponents high up the pitch. Even so, it took the Thais just seven minutes to carve out their first real chance of the match.
Nurul Sriyankem’s pull back found Chananan Pombubpha in space, but the striker was denied by Kyaw Zin Phyo’s smart save.
What followed was a Thai assault on the Myanmar goal. But with every chance that fell their way, the Burmese backline – and their goalkeeper in particular – was there to slam the door shut.
“In the first half, Myanmar were compact, very good,” Choketawee said.
That is, until the 54th minute.
Ye Ko Oo could only half-clear a Thai corner, and Tanaboon Kesarat was on hand to slam the ball past a hapless Kyaw Zin Phyo.
The deadlock finally broken, Thailand continued to press forward with the excellent Chanathip Songkrasin their main creative threat.
And so it came as no surprise that it was the diminutive playmaker who won possession in the middle of the park and played Chananan through to double the Thai lead just 10 minutes later.
The result was put beyond doubt with 11 minutes left on the clock. This time, it was substitute Pinyo Inpinit who scuffed the ball home after latching on to captain Sarach Yooyen’s lofted pass.
Despite the loss, Myanmar coach Kyi Lwin was satisfied with the silver medal. “We appreciate our players – they have played very well in this tournament, the former international said.
Meanwhile, his counterpart was clearly in a jovial mood after the win.
Asked what beer he would down to celebrate his side’s success, Choketawee paused, before saying: “Orange juice.”
Even coming up against the only other unbeaten side in the competition, Choketawee Promrut’s men went into Monday’s final at the National Stadium as white-hot favourites – especially after a 5-0 demolition of Indonesia in the semi-finals.
Myanmar, however, had added motivation in the form of their 12th man; a rabid support that has been a feature of every match they have played.
With their fans roaring them on, the Burmese got off to a frantic start, pressing their opponents high up the pitch. Even so, it took the Thais just seven minutes to carve out their first real chance of the match.
Nurul Sriyankem’s pull back found Chananan Pombubpha in space, but the striker was denied by Kyaw Zin Phyo’s smart save.
What followed was a Thai assault on the Myanmar goal. But with every chance that fell their way, the Burmese backline – and their goalkeeper in particular – was there to slam the door shut.
“In the first half, Myanmar were compact, very good,” Choketawee said.
That is, until the 54th minute.
Ye Ko Oo could only half-clear a Thai corner, and Tanaboon Kesarat was on hand to slam the ball past a hapless Kyaw Zin Phyo.
The deadlock finally broken, Thailand continued to press forward with the excellent Chanathip Songkrasin their main creative threat.
And so it came as no surprise that it was the diminutive playmaker who won possession in the middle of the park and played Chananan through to double the Thai lead just 10 minutes later.
The result was put beyond doubt with 11 minutes left on the clock. This time, it was substitute Pinyo Inpinit who scuffed the ball home after latching on to captain Sarach Yooyen’s lofted pass.
Despite the loss, Myanmar coach Kyi Lwin was satisfied with the silver medal. “We appreciate our players – they have played very well in this tournament, the former international said.
Meanwhile, his counterpart was clearly in a jovial mood after the win.
Asked what beer he would down to celebrate his side’s success, Choketawee paused, before saying: “Orange juice.”