War Elephants march on! Thailand continued their quest to make arrears for a dismal World Cup campaign that had raised the hopes of the nation making an appearance at their first World Cup. Despite heavy rain at the Philippines Sports Stadium in Manila, they largely outplayed the co hosts of this years AFF Suzuki Cup. The co hosts were relegated to a defeat and knocked out of the tournament when Sarawut Masuk scored in the 81st minute. The goal marking his second of the tournament after his winner against Singapore.
Thailand and Indonesia progress
In the evenings other game Indonesia fought out a narrow win over Singapore. Singapore are former four times champions of the tournament and were considered to be one of the favorites. Indonesia has been the surprise package of the tournament after FIFA sanctions that saw them have no Super League for one year. The match itself started brightly with Indonesia striking the woodwork from a Stefano Lilipay free kick. Further danger came from Andik Vermansyah who sent a 35 yard strike inches over the bar having well beaten goalkeeper Hassan. The breakthrough for Singapore came when Madhu Mohana launched a long throw into the box where it was flicked on by Safuwan Baharudin and met by Amri, who volleyed into the back of the net.
Semi finals
After the break the Lions had another chance to further their lead but the goalscorer Amri was denied by a fine save from Kurnia Meiga. The Indonesians piled forward and Vermansyah produced a beautiful volley having latched onto a cross from Rizki Pora. Five minutes from the end and Singapore's hopes were shattered when Lillipay volleyed home the winner after a mistake in the usually reliable Singaporean defence.
The next set of final Group games are from Group B which sees the co hosts Myanmar vs Malaysia in what is sure to be a feisty affair after the recent disagreements which saw Malaysia threatening to leave the tournament. Vietnam will play Cambodia with Vietnamese already guaranteed a place in the semi finals.
