Thailand beat Myanmar 4-0 in emphatic second win at Suzuki Cup
Thailand's Manuel Bihr, Thanawat Suengchitthawon and Teerasil Dangda celebrate during a game with Myanmar at the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup on Dec 11, 2021. (Photo: SPORTFIVE)
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand continued their perfect run in the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup as they thrashed Myanmar 4-0 at the Singapore National Stadium on Saturday (Dec 11) for their second consecutive victory in Group A.
Thailand drew first blood after their main striker Teerasil Dangda fired the ball into the net from outside the box, courtesy of a lovely crafted pass down the right from Narubadin Weerawatnodom in the 23rd minute.
Skipper and top attacking midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin had an opportunity to double the lead for Thailand but his chip shot was comfortably fielded by Myanmar goalkeeper Myo Min Latt in the 36th minute.
In the second half, the War Elephants quickly earned their second goal in the 53rd minute when Teerasil scored again through a penalty kick, thanks to a foul by defender Hein Phyo Win on Manuel Bhir.
Two minutes later, Myanmar had a chance to reduce the deficit but Lwin Moe Aung’s right-footed shot from outside the box was saved in the top centre of the goal by Chatchai Budprom.
Worachit Kanitsribumphen made an impact two minutes after replacing Thanawat Suengchitthawon by slotting in a right-footed shot in the 78th minute to make it 3-0.
Myanmar almost scored a consolation goal but Win Naing Tun’s attempt hit the woodwork in the 89th minute, before Supachok Sarachart capped off a wonderful night by scoring Thailand’s fourth goal in the second minute of injury time. The win sent Thailand to the top of Group A with six points.
“We’re very happy with the performance of the team, we made progress and controlled the game, the midfield especially, with players that are strong on the ball and created more clear chances," said Thailand's coach Alexandre Polking.
“As for Teerasil, he brings everything that a striker needs in terms of technique and of course especially a finish. I joke with him that he’s not so young anymore but you can still see the amazing quality he has.”
The defeat has made it all but impossible for Myanmar to now reach the last four.
“We are disappointed by the result but not by the performance of our players, they’re doing what they can at this point in time and tried everything possible," said Coach Antoine Hey.
“Again tonight we had no central defenders, we had a striker playing at left-back, we had more COVID issues as well so the players are doing everything they can.
“Also, my players swear that it was not a penalty that should have been awarded to Thailand and that changes the game, so if this was the case then we can say that today Thailand were lucky.”
Meanwhile, the Philippines notched their first victory as they thumped Timor-Leste 7-0 in another Group A tie held at the same venue earlier on Saturday.
In Group B matches on Sunday, Laos will take on Indonesia at 5.30pm while Malaysia will play defending champions Vietnam at 8.30pm in a replay of the 2018 final.
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