Thailand U23 pushes Malaysia U23 to the brink of defeat.

Losing 0-1 to Thailand U23 at Bishan Stadium this afternoon, Malaysia U23 is now on the brink of elimination in Group B of the men's football tournament at the 2018 SEA Games.

The only goal of the match was scored in the 81st minute, from a superb long-range shot by Thailand U23 captain Sarach Yooyen.

However, the 1-0 result doesn't accurately reflect the situation on the Bishan pitch this afternoon, because the Thai U23 team played a superior game in every aspect compared to the Malaysian U23 team. If their strikers had been more decisive and accurate, it's very possible that Coach Promrut's team could have won by a much larger margin.

Sarach's U23 Thailand team played proactively, controlled possession well, and forced U23 Malaysia to mostly just chase after them for most of the game. Photo: Duc Dong.

Nevertheless, with three points secured, the Thai U23 team is still on track to defend the SEA Games men's football gold medal they won in Myanmar two years ago. After their first match in Group B, the young Thai players have won all three games and are leading the group, at least until the result of the Vietnam U23 vs. Laos U23 match takes place in a few hours.

Meanwhile, the defeat against U23 Thailand marked the second time in two days that U23 Malaysia lost to a direct competitor for one of the two semi-final spots in the men's football tournament in Group B, following their humiliating 1-5 defeat at the hands of U23 Vietnam on June 2nd.

With only three points from three matches, the risk of elimination is clearly looming over the yellow and black team. If U23 Vietnam wins against U23 Laos in tonight's match – a very likely scenario – even if U23 Malaysia wins both of their remaining matches (U23 Brunei and U23 Laos), Coach Ong Kim Swee's team will still likely be at a disadvantage when comparing goal difference.

Returning to the match in Bishan, the Malaysian U23 team aimed for a win at all costs to keep their hopes of advancing alive. However, similar to their loss to Vietnam two days earlier, their play lacked cohesion; they often resorted to long balls to their forwards, which were easily broken down by the Thai U23 team.

Throughout the match, the Malaysian U23 team created only two truly dangerous opportunities: one from a quick counter-attack where Gary Steven was too eager to shoot and sent the ball wide, and another from a dangerous long-range shot by Syahrul that was saved by goalkeeper Chanin.

Meanwhile, with Sarach controlling the midfield effectively, Chanathip playing flexibly and with great flair in the attacking midfield position, and their well-coordinated runs down the flanks, the Thailand U23 team held the initiative for most of the game. They maintained good possession and constantly put the Malaysian defense under pressure.

Chanathip didn't score, but he was the driving force behind Thailand U23's attacking plays in this match. Photo: Duc Dong.

The Thai U23 team created numerous dangerous situations in front of the Malaysian goal, keeping the yellow and black defenders and goalkeeper Farhan constantly busy throughout the afternoon. After many missed opportunities, the Thai U23 team finally capitalized on their overwhelming advantage. Sarach was the one who brought about the breakthrough with a superb long-range shot from outside the 16-yard box.

With little time remaining, the Malaysian U23 team not only failed to find an equalizer, but also played even more defensively and should probably consider themselves lucky not to have conceded any more goals.

According to VNE