In a thrilling semifinal second leg at Rajamangala Stadium, Thailand defeated the Philippines 3-1 in extra time, securing a 4-3 aggregate victory to advance to the ASEAN Cup 2024 final. Suphanat Muenta, dubbed a “prodigy,” scored the decisive goal in the 118th minute to seal the dramatic win.
After losing 1-2 in the first leg, Thailand appeared poised to overturn the deficit with early second-half goals from Peeradol Chamrasamee and Patrik Gustavsson. However, the Philippines showcased their resilience, exemplifying the qualities that saw them hold Vietnam to a draw and defeat Indonesia in the group stage. Bjorn Martin Kristensen’s exquisite strike leveled the aggregate score, leaving the match balanced on a knife’s edge as the teams headed into extra time.
The closing stages of regular time tested the nerves of Thailand’s fans. The Philippines created a flurry of chances, with Amani Aguinaldo, Javier Gayoso, and Kristensen threatening to deliver a knockout blow. Yet, Thailand’s goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai produced a series of stunning saves to keep his side alive.
During the added 30 minutes, the Philippines relied on their superior stamina, while Thailand struggled with fatigue. In the 98th minute, Japanese head coach Masatada Ishii introduced Suphanat Muenta, who had been held in reserve for much of the match. Suphanat’s impact was immediate; just 20 minutes after entering the field, the young forward headed home the game-winner, capitalizing on a pinpoint delivery to secure Thailand’s place in the final.
Tactical Masterclass from Coach Ishii
Coach Ishii deployed a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Supachok Sarachat, Benjamin Davies, Peeradol Chamrasamee, and Seksan Ratree supporting Gustavsson in attack. Weerathep Pomphan anchored the midfield as the lone defensive midfielder. This setup allowed Thailand to dominate possession in the center while exploiting space on the flanks. Right-back Suphanan Bureerat frequently found himself in advanced positions, linking up with Ratree to deliver dangerous crosses into the box.
Thailand’s opening goal exemplified this strategy. Although a cross from Ratree was initially cleared, the ball fell perfectly for Peeradol, who unleashed a thunderous shot past goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad. Minutes later, Supachok nearly doubled the lead, but his powerful strike rattled the crossbar.
The Philippines adjusted tactically at halftime under head coach Albert Capellas, addressing their defensive vulnerabilities on the wings. However, a costly turnover in midfield allowed Weerathep to thread a through ball to Gustavsson, who finished clinically to make it 2-0.
Kristensen’s moment of brilliance revived the Philippines’ hopes. The Norwegian-born forward, making his tournament debut, turned with finesse and struck a low shot into the far corner, showcasing his European pedigree. The goal energized the visitors, who dominated the final quarter-hour of regulation and came close to a decisive goal, only to be denied by Khammai’s heroics.
Final Preparations Amid Fatigue
While Thailand celebrated their hard-fought victory, the 120-minute battle, including injury time, has taken a toll on their squad. The team will have minimal rest before traveling to Vietnam for the first leg of the final on January 2, 2025. This quick turnaround leaves Thailand with only one full day to recover before facing Coach Kim Sang-sik’s well-rested Vietnam squad.
Despite the challenges, Thailand’s ability to prevail in high-pressure situations reinforces their status as a formidable contender. Fans eagerly await the upcoming clash as Thailand aims to capture another ASEAN Cup title and solidify their dominance in Southeast Asian football.
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