(Dan Tri) – The one-goal gap is still very fragile for the Vietnamese team, as Thailand has the advantage of playing the second leg at home. In theory, the Golden Temple team has learned more about Nguyen Xuan Son.

In the first leg of the final match at Viet Tri Stadium (Phu Tho) last night (January 2), the Thai players seemed to underestimate striker Nguyen Xuan Son.

Before the match, Thai defender Chalermsak Aukkee somewhat disdainfully declared: "I don't know who Xuan Son is. Thailand has defender Jonathan Khemdee who is much stronger than Xuan Son."

Then, in last night’s match, it was Chalermsak Aukkee who made the biggest mistake in the second goal conceded by the Thai team. This central defender almost “dodged” to the side when Xuan Son dribbled the ball too strongly, then kicked the ball into the Thai net.

After scoring to narrow the gap to 1-2 for the home team in the 83rd minute, Chalermsak Aukkee signaled an apology to his teammates and Thai football fans.

This detail shows that Chalermsak Aukkee in particular and the team of the Golden Temple country in general have learned from experience, they "know who Xuan Son is". They will change in the second leg of the final. Basically, Thailand is still a team with a high level, if not to say they are the most even in Southeast Asia.

Another fact has shown that when the Vietnamese team dropped their formation to preserve the two-goal lead, Thailand had the opportunity to control the ball in midfield and they continuously launched dangerous group plays for us.

In the second leg, Thailand will try to play to their strengths in ball control. They may use technicians like Supachok Sarachat and Suphanat Mueanta earlier.

It is clear that when these two players are on the field, the Thai team creates more pressure on the Vietnamese team's field. The free kick ability of these two players is very good, which can help Thailand exploit set pieces better.

In addition, as center-back Chalermsak Aukkee himself mentioned, Thailand has a very strong center-back Jonathan Khemdee. This player could be the option that the Thais use to counter Nguyen Xuan Son's physical strength and ability to dominate in the second leg.

The reason Jonathan Khemdee was not used in the first leg was because Thailand's Japanese coach Masatada Ishii was concerned that this player lacked international experience.

However, the most experienced player in the Thai defense, Pansa Hemviboon, failed to control Xuan Son, due to physical strength and age (Hemviboon is 33 years old). With nothing to lose in the second leg, Thailand may change, Jonathan Khemdee will be used, to control Xuan Son.

Against an opponent who understands us better, the Vietnamese team will need more options. If the opponent plans to predict Xuan Son, we will consider more diverse playing options to help the satellites around Xuan Son play more effectively.

If Thailand focuses on blocking Xuan Son, it also means that there will be more gaps around Xuan Son and the satellites around this player will have the opportunity to occupy and exploit those gaps. This will continue to be a battle of wits between the two coaches Kim Sang Sik and Masatada Ishii in the second leg.

Dantri.com.vn

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/thu-thach-voi-doi-tuyen-viet-nam-khi-thai-lan-bi-don-vao-chan-tuong-20250103124624413.htm