Time's up! In the end, the Thai team beat the Philippines 4-0. This result helped them lead Group A with 6 points. They have the same 6 points as Indonesia but are above thanks to the secondary index.
In the next round, Thailand will meet Indonesia on the evening of December 29. The Philippines will play the final match of the group stage against Indonesia on January 2, 2023.
The Philippines team tried very hard to find a goal, but their shots could not defeat the Thai goalkeeper.
Minute 73: Sarach Yooyen had an empty ball, kicked the ball in a favorable position but sent the ball over the bar, missing the opportunity to increase the score for Thailand.
Minute 64: Thailand replaced 3 players when Peeradon, Poramet and Channarong came on to replace Bordin Phala, Teerasil Dangda and Adisak.
Minute 63: GOAL!!! Suphanan Bureerat cushioned the ball from close range to increase the score to 4-0 for Thailand, after Bordin Phala's shot was pushed out.
Minute 58: GOAL!!! Teerasil Dangda crossed for Adisak Kraisorn to finish close to the goal, raising the score to 3-0 for Thailand.
After leading by 2 goals, the Thai team proactively slowed down the match. They played solidly in defense and took advantage of gaps in the visitors' defense to organize quick attacks.
The second half begins. The Philippines team made 2 substitutions when Sandro Reyes and Sebastian Beraque came on to replace Amita and Lyngbo.
At the end of the first half, the Thai team led the Philippines 2-0.
Minute 41: GOAL!!! Teerasil Dangda easily scored from the 11m mark, helping Thailand lead 2-0.
Minute 39: Ekani Panya was fouled by Aguinaldo in the penalty area, the referee awarded the Thai team a penalty.
By the 35th minute, the Thai team had launched 10 shots, while the Philippines had no shots or headers.
Minute 30: Bunmathan crossed the ball accurately to Ekanit Panya to finish within 5m50 but the ball went out again. The Thai team completely pressed the Philippines, creating many clear opportunities but still could not increase the gap.
Minute 20: Bordin Phala boldly dribbled the ball before hitting the crossbar. The Thai team is playing overwhelmingly against the Philippines.
Minute 18: Bunmathan takes a free kick for Kritsada Kaman to enter the visitors' net but the goal is disallowed due to an offside error.
Minute 15: Adisak Kraisorn bounced the ball for Dangda to finish, but the striker's shot hit the Philippine defender's foot and went out.
Minute 12: Theerathon Bunmathan crossed the ball accurately but Ekanit Panya headed the ball out.
Minute 3: GOAL!!! Teerasil Dangda headed Thailand 1-0 up, after Bunmathan's free kick.
The Thai team has only played 1 match at the AFF Cup 2022, when they beat Brunei 5-0 away. Meanwhile, the Philippines have played 2 matches. They lost 2-3 to Cambodia away and beat Brunei 5-1 at home. Facing the defending champion, the Philippines must get points or they will have very few opportunities to compete for a ticket to the semi-finals.
At the AFF Cup 2022, the "War Elephants" do not have the strongest force when Chanathip Songkrasin, Supchai Jaided or Supachok are all absent. However, the Thai team still showed a strong playing style, thanks to the harmonious combination of experienced players and rookies.
In midfield, coach Mano Polking has deployed Theerathon Bunmathan - who is a winger - to play in midfield, in combination with Sarach Yooyen. Their extensive experience and understanding helped both create a formidable midfield pair for Thailand. In attack, the Thai team still rely heavily on the goalscorer of Teerasil Dangda - the player with the most goals in the history of the AFF Cup with 20 goals.
Meanwhile, the Philippines team showed many flaws in their playing style. They attack quite well but have many gaps in the defense. Coach Joseph Ferre has not been able to create a strong team as expected, in the context of the team having many new factors.
The history of the confrontation is leaning towards the Thai team. In the previous 21 meetings with the Philippines, the "War Elephants" have won 16 matches, drawn 2 matches and lost only 3 matches. At the 2020 AFF Cup, the two teams also met in the group stage and Thailand beat the Philippines 2-1 with a double from Teerasil Dangda.
However, coach Joseph Ferre has not lost in the previous 2 meetings with Alexandre Polking. While working in Thailand, Mr. Ferre led Ratchaburi and in 2 matches against Polking's Bangkok United, Mr. Ferre had 1 win and 1 draw.
