Thailand beat Myanmar on penalties to defend title
Over to you: His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah (L), the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, presents the trophy to Thailand's captain Chokchai Chuchai at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last night. Picture: Fahmi Abas His Royal Highness The Crown Prince presented the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy to the Thailand captain after the final game ended with a penalty shoot-out which was won by Thailand. Photo by : Fahmi Abas
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
GOALKEEPER Sompong Yod-Ard was Thailand's saviour in last night's final of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for Association of Southeast Asian Youth Football Championship 2007, diving to his left to save Myanmar's Si Thu Tuan's penalty kick to give the Thais a 5-4 penalty shoot out victory.
Present at the match held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium was His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, who later presented the prestigious trophy to Thai captain Chokchai Chuchai, whose country also won the tournament in 2005.
The game was a re-match of the 2005 final which Thailand won 3-0 and after the end of regulation time last night, which ended 0-0, the fans at the stadium were on the edge of their seats during extra-time, which also saw no goals.
But the lack of goals didn't mean a lack of scoring chances for both teams who are the tournament's joint top scorers with 21 goals and both finalists were equally matched in a robust game which saw 10 yellow cards and one red for Myanmar.
After a shaky start in which both teams failed to capitalise on several chances, probably due to nerves, the Thais took hold of the game with their smooth passing and through balls to the flanks.
Orchestrated by the lively Anawin Jujeen on the right flank, most of Thailand's opportunities came from crosses into the box.
But Myanmar goalkeeper Kyaw Zin Htet was his team's lifesaver pulling off three spectacular saves at the end of regulation time as well as in the second half of extra time, which the Thais dominated, to keep his team in the game.
Although Sompong won the Best Player award, Kyaw deserved to be named Man of The Match after his heroics in goal.
The speedy Myanmar players created a multitude of problems for the Thais and had the crowd on their feet every time they surged forward on a counter attack.
Thailand's long ball tactic didn't seem to have the desired effect last night and the tough Myanmar players gave the Thais little breathing space.
After both teams missed their first penalty, Everton FC youth player Naruphol Ar-Romsawa stepped up to make it 5-4 and Sompong's save ensured that was the final result.
"Deciding the game on penalties, it could have gone either way, so I feel very lucky to have won," said Thailand's head coach, Kawin Kaehendecha.
"It was a very hard game and I wasn't expecting Myanmar to play so good.
"Both goalkeepers played very well today (Monday) especially the Myanmar keeper, who made many important saves," he added.
The Brunei Times
Present at the match held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium was His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, who later presented the prestigious trophy to Thai captain Chokchai Chuchai, whose country also won the tournament in 2005.
The game was a re-match of the 2005 final which Thailand won 3-0 and after the end of regulation time last night, which ended 0-0, the fans at the stadium were on the edge of their seats during extra-time, which also saw no goals.
But the lack of goals didn't mean a lack of scoring chances for both teams who are the tournament's joint top scorers with 21 goals and both finalists were equally matched in a robust game which saw 10 yellow cards and one red for Myanmar.
After a shaky start in which both teams failed to capitalise on several chances, probably due to nerves, the Thais took hold of the game with their smooth passing and through balls to the flanks.
Orchestrated by the lively Anawin Jujeen on the right flank, most of Thailand's opportunities came from crosses into the box.
But Myanmar goalkeeper Kyaw Zin Htet was his team's lifesaver pulling off three spectacular saves at the end of regulation time as well as in the second half of extra time, which the Thais dominated, to keep his team in the game.
Although Sompong won the Best Player award, Kyaw deserved to be named Man of The Match after his heroics in goal.
The speedy Myanmar players created a multitude of problems for the Thais and had the crowd on their feet every time they surged forward on a counter attack.
Thailand's long ball tactic didn't seem to have the desired effect last night and the tough Myanmar players gave the Thais little breathing space.
After both teams missed their first penalty, Everton FC youth player Naruphol Ar-Romsawa stepped up to make it 5-4 and Sompong's save ensured that was the final result.
"Deciding the game on penalties, it could have gone either way, so I feel very lucky to have won," said Thailand's head coach, Kawin Kaehendecha.
"It was a very hard game and I wasn't expecting Myanmar to play so good.
"Both goalkeepers played very well today (Monday) especially the Myanmar keeper, who made many important saves," he added.
The Brunei Times
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