Thailand completed a memorable comeback, on aggregate, over Indonesia in the AFF Suzuki Cup final. The game was played in front of a full house at Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium. Indonesia were leading 2-1 from the first leg and looked very confident heading into the second leg of the final. Indeed having beaten Vietnam in the semi-final, the Garudas could have been forgiven for thinking that this was their year.
Unfortunately for them, they managed to set a record fifth successive final defeat in this competition which began in 1996.
Indonesia had a good run up to the final
Indonesia were on a fine run of form and their only defeat in the tournament had been at the hands of Thailand. The semi-final win over Vietnam and the first leg win over Thailand in Bogor, Indonesia led many to believe that Alfred Riedl's men may just pull off a shock second leg win over the Thais.
The game had started well with Indonesia easily repelling the Thai forwards but they were on the back foot. Wave after wave of Thai attacks eventually led to the inevitable and Siroch Chatthong scored after Fachruddin Aryanto cleared the ball and it rebounded off Siroch to give Thailand the lead in the 37th minute. The goal sent the home crowd wild and there were incidents of flares being lit, which the Thai FA are investigating.
Thailand surpass Indonesia for a record 5th tournament win
Indonesia were left deflated by the goal so close to half-time and after the break, Thailand continued where they left off. 2 minutes into the second half and a fine pass from Chanathip Songkrasin set Siroch up as he curled the ball past the Indonesian goalkeeper Kurnia.
Siroch was a surprise inclusion, as was Charyl Chappuis, and credit has to be given to coach Kiattisak Senamuang. Zico, as he is affectionately known in Thailand, changed the starting line up and included Thailand's most expensive player Tanaboon Keserat. He cost Chiang Rai United 50m Baht.
Keserat played in a back three and kept tabs on Indonesia's Lillipaly all night.
The game was marred by a bizarre incident at the end when Indonesia's Lestaluhu kicked the ball at the Thai dugout and received a straight red card.
Well done to Thailand who have now set a record in the tournament and so brings the end of the AFFSuzuki Cup for another 2 years.