2014 AFF Cup Final First Leg: No Surprises?

(Baonghean) - After surprisingly defeating Vietnam in the second leg, the Malaysian team will play in the final against Thailand at 7 PM tonight (December 17th). In the qualifying round, Malaysia, despite taking the lead, was still defeated by Coach Kiatisuk's team with a score of 3-2. Although they desperately want to avenge this loss, it will be difficult for Dollah Salleh's team to create another upset at Thailand's Rajamangala Stadium, similar to what happened after 90 minutes at My Dinh National Stadium.

A goal-scoring moment during the group stage match of the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup between Malaysia and Thailand.

In this year's Southeast Asian Football Championship, due to being in the same group, Thailand and Malaysia have already faced each other in the second match. That match took place when Malaysia needed a win after a disappointing draw against the weakest team in the group – Myanmar. In an open game, Malaysia took the lead twice but were pegged back both times. Furthermore, in the final minute of the second half, Chanathip Songkrasin scored the winning goal, securing a 3-2 victory for Thailand. Statistically, since 1996, Malaysia and Thailand have faced each other a total of 10 times in the AFF Cup, with Thailand holding a clear advantage with 6 wins, 2 draws, and only 2 losses.

However, in recent years, Malaysia has been the opponent that Thailand probably wants to avoid the most, as they have made remarkable progress in both technical skill and battlefield experience compared to the general standard of football in the region. They proved this in the most convincing way possible in their match against the Vietnamese national team at My Dinh National Stadium. Despite facing immense pressure after losing 1-2 at their home ground, Shan Alam, in the first leg, Coach Dollah Salleh's team did not lose their will and determination. Malaysia even created a sensation in regional football by winning 4-2 in the second leg to secure a place in the final. Having narrowly escaped defeat twice, it's not surprising that in his statement to the press before the first leg of the final, Coach Dollah Salleh confidently declared that they would defeat Thailand to win the championship. However, that's the story after both legs. In the first leg, taking place at 7 PM tonight, coach Dollah Salleh will face real difficulties as his squad is depleted due to injuries and suspensions. While captain and central defender Adnan Shukur is injured, the equally experienced striker Safee Sali is also at risk of missing for the same reason.

Meanwhile, the home team, with its squad of players born in the 1990s, entered the tournament under low expectations, but they thrilled fans in Cambodia with their victories, leaving most of their opponents impressed. In the group stage, Coach Kiatisuk's team earned a perfect 9 points after 3 wins. There was a slight challenge for Coach Kiatisuk's young squad in the first leg of the semi-final against the Philippines. However, in the second leg, they gave the Philippines no chance and secured a convincing 3-0 victory to advance to the final.

Interestingly, Kiatisuk and Dollah Salleh were supposed to face each other in the 1996 AFF Cup final as players, but unfortunately, Dollah Salleh was injured and unable to play, while Kiatisuk scored the only goal that secured the victory for Thailand. This defeat served as motivation and determination for Dollah Salleh's players to "settle the score." However, despite being in a period of generational transition with players born in the 1990s, the Thai team, under the leadership of the once-famous striker Kiatisuk, displayed superior maturity and composure to reach this final match.

Having gained considerable confidence after miraculously reaching the final twice, Malaysia, facing Thailand with the home advantage and a squad of enthusiastic young players demonstrating strong composure in big matches, is expected to spring no surprise.

Canh Nam