The final match of the 2023 King's Cup is the clash between Thailand and Iraq. Due to heavy rain and deep flooding in Chiang Mai Stadium, players from both sides had many difficulties in coordinating and handling the ball.
The home team Thailand was the ones who started the match better. However, it was the away team that scored the opening goal first. In the 6th minute, in a chaotic situation in Thailand's penalty area, striker Aymen Hussein arrived at the right time, finishing close to the goal to put the Iraq team ahead 1-0.
After conceding a goal very early, the "War Elephants" pushed up their formation to attack. A few minutes later, the Thai players completely controlled the match, holding the ball well above their opponents.
However, heavy rain caused the home team's passes to lack accuracy. The attacks of Dangda and his teammates also seemed quite monotonous, not causing much danger to the Iranian defense.
However, the efforts of coach Polking's students have been rewarded. In the 38th minute, after an accurate cross from Bumathan, Nicholas Mickelson headed in to equalize 1-1 for Thailand.
At the end of the first half, the Iranian defense easily blocked Thailand's attacks. Therefore, the home team could not have any more shots.
Entering the second half, the gradual rain gradually subsided, making it easier for Thailand and Iraq to deploy their tactics. Both teams created an attractive tug-of-war situation, continuously playing tit for tat. However, players from both sides played close together, not giving the opponent a chance to attack.
In the 65th minute, Iraq took the lead again. Amjed Attwan was the one who shined with a smart move to receive the ball and finish coolly, raising the score to 2-1.
After this goal, coach Polking changed personnel to strengthen the home team's attack. The opportunity came to Thailand in the 79th minute when the Iraq defender let the ball touch his hand. Although it was observed that the situation occurred outside the penalty area, the referee still awarded Thailand a penalty. But on the 11m mark, Dangda's shot was too weak, allowing the Iraq goalkeeper to successfully block it.
Right after this missed situation, Thailand scored. Supachok dribbled the ball through before crossing inside for Phala to head in to score, equalizing 2-2 for the home team.
The second half was wasted 8 minutes but players from both sides could not score more goals. A 2-2 draw after 90 minutes of official play, Thailand and Iraq entered the penalty shootout to determine the winner.
On the 11m mark, Iraq was the team that played with more courage and won 5-4 to win the 2023 King's Cup. Thus, since 2019, Thailand has not been able to lift the cup in the tournament where they are the host. As for coach Mano Polking, he has not been able to join the "War Elephants" to win the championship in this tournament.
