Philippine coach is proud that despite defeat, Thai coach ‘finals with Vietnam are prone to injury’

Coach Masatada Ishii: “Thailand will win 2 finals, give New Year’s gifts to fans”

Returning to Rajamangala’s home field, the Thai team entered the match with very high spirit, overwhelming the Philippines right from the first minute. In the 37th and 54th minutes, Peeradon and Gustavsson scored respectively, helping Thailand lead 2-0. However, in the 84th minute, Kristensen shined with a classy kick, helping the Philippines shorten the score to 1-2. At the same time, this goal also brought the total score after two matches to 3-3, forcing Thailand and the Philippines to play extra time. During extra time, “prodigy” Suphanat Mueanta shined in the 116th minute, sealing a 3-1 victory in the semi-final second leg, thereby bringing Thailand to the AFF Cup final with a total score of 4- 3.

After the match, Thailand team coach Masatada Ishii did not share too much about the semi-final match with the Philippines. He said briefly: “The important key to today’s victory is that all players focused and fought for 120 minutes. In addition, the cheering in the stands is a great motivation for us.”

Defeating the Philippines, Thailand will meet the Vietnamese team in the final match of the AFF Cup 2024. The Japanese coach emphasized that this is an important match and Thailand will do their best to become the champion.

“Before the AFF Cup 2024 final, Thailand only had two days off. We know there will be injuries, players will not be fit enough, but the coaching staff will try to use the remaining players in the team at this time.

For the match against the Vietnamese team, Thailand will carefully calculate each match. When we are away, we will try to get good results, thereby creating a favorable psychological momentum for the return leg at home. Before the start of AFF Cup 2024, I told all Thai players to win all 8 matches, but now we cannot do it. Therefore, Thailand must win the remaining two matches against Vietnam and become champions. That will be a great gift for Thai fans on the occasion of the new year,” coach Masatada Ishii emphasized.

Coach Albert Capellas: “I’m proud that the Philippines dragged Thailand into extra time”

On the opposite side, coach Albert Capellas still seemed happy even though the Philippines could not participate in the final match of the 2024 AFF Cup. He expressed: “I would like to congratulate the Thai team for reaching the finals. Second, I proud of the players of the Philippine team for having a resilient match. Holding Thailand to a draw and dragging this opponent to extra time is not easy, especially when the Philippine players’ physical strength is failing. seriously reduced. I hope Filipino fans will also feel proud of the players and continue to support the team in the future.”

The Spanish coach continued to give many compliments to his students: “I am very happy that the Philippines can play in the semi-finals of AFF Cup 2024, this is something new for the players. After this tournament, we more experience and certainly the whole team is satisfied with the past journey. I see a bright future ahead, especially next year. However, the Philippines needs to invest in everything to come back strong than”.