War elephants fight back to clinch cup

War elephants fight back to clinch cup

hugs all round: Thailand celebrate after Sirod Chatthong, third from right, scores his second goal against Indonesia last night.
hugs all round: Thailand celebrate after Sirod Chatthong, third from right, scores his second goal against Indonesia last night.

Thailand claimed a record fifth Suzuki Cup title with a 2-0 victory over Indonesia in the final second leg at Rajamangala National Stadium last night for a 3-2 win on aggregate.

Sirod Chatthong was Thailand's hero as the tall forward scored both goals after the Indonesians took a 2-1 lead in the first leg in Bogor on Wednesday.

Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang dedicated the success to His Majesty the King and his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away in October.

"We wanted to win the title as a tribute to King Rama IX," an emotional Kiatisak said after the match. "We also would like to dedicate the success to King Rama X."

Goalscorer Sirod said: "I am not a hero. The whole team is."

He said he was happy that his family was at the stadium but his mother was not able to attend because she was ill.

Thailand picked US$200,000 (about 7 million baht) in prize money.

The War Elephants also won the Asean title in 1996, 2000, 2002 and 2014.

The Indonesians are still looking for the first Asean crown, having lost in the final five times.

Before a sell-out crowd at the 50,000-seat stadium, Thailand went on an all-out attack from the kick-off while Indonesia tried to protect their lead from the first leg.

Sirod returned to the starting line-up and his presence caused trouble for Indonesia's defence.

Sirod, striker Teerasil Dangda and defender Triston Do had several chances but failed to break the visitors' gritty defence.

Coach Kiatisak's faith in Sirod paid off when he opened the scoring after 37 minutes. Indonesia defender Fachruddin Aryanto's poor clearance hit Sirod and the ball went into the net.

Two minutes after the interval, Sirod was on target again with a beautiful curling shot.

Teerasil then went clear but could not beat goalkeeper Kurnia Meiga, who was quick to block his shot.

Indonesia, who by that time needed only one goal to send the match into extra time, tried harder.

Sirod won a penalty when he went clear and was tripped in the area by Meiga with 10 minutes to go. However, Meiga made amends by saving Teerasil's poor spot kick, which was directed too close to the goalkeeper.

In the final minutes, Indonesia threw everything at Thailand but defender Muhammad Lestaluhu was sent off after a moment of frustration when he kicked the ball at Thailand's bench.

Teerasil was top scorer of the 2016 tournament with six goals. However, he is still two goals behind Singaporean Noh Alam Shah's all-time tally of 17 goals.

It is Teerasil's first Suzuki Cup title as he was not in the team that won the crown two years ago.

Thailand midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin was named the most valuable player of the tournament.

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