Thailand defends SEA Games football championship

Thailand defends SEA Games football championship

Goalkeeper Muhammad Haziq Nadzli of Malaysia punches the ball to score on his own net in the SEA Games' football final between Malaysia and Thailand at the Shah Alam Stadium, Shah Alam, Malaysia, Tuesday night. (Reuters photo)
Goalkeeper Muhammad Haziq Nadzli of Malaysia punches the ball to score on his own net in the SEA Games' football final between Malaysia and Thailand at the Shah Alam Stadium, Shah Alam, Malaysia, Tuesday night. (Reuters photo)

Thai men's national football team defended their championship in the Southeast Asian Games in their final match with Malaysia at the Shah Alam Stadium in Selangor State, Malaysia, Tuesday night.

The only score in the game resulted from an own goal by Malaysia's goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli, who was trying to block a Thai corner kick at the 38th minute as his punch sent the rain-soaked ball into the net behind him.

In the first 30 minutes of the game, Malaysia appeared to depend on defence, long passes and corner kicks.

The own goal put more pressure on the host in the eyes of about 80,000 cheering compatriots in the stadium where seats for Thai fans were limited at 5,000.

In the second half, both sides exchanged attacks as Thailand was trying to keep pressure on Malaysia and cut the latter's chance to equalise while Malaysia was trying to do so.

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