Bangkok: 'Madam Pang' Nualphan Lamsam, president of the Football Association of Thailand, has declared an extra 10 million baht bonus for the Thai national football team, also known as the 'War Elephants', if they secure victory in the ASEAN Championship. This announcement came as enthusiastic fans flocked to the Rajamangala Stadium with high hopes for their team's success in the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 final.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thai national team, under the leadership of head coach Masatada Ishii and team captain Peeradon Chamratsamee, arrived at the stadium in the late afternoon. They were joined by key players such as Suthanat Mueanta, Patrick Gustafsson, and Supachok Sarachat. The players took time to engage with fans and pay homage to sacred objects as they prepared for the decisive match against Vietnam.
Thailand, currently ranked 97th in the world with seven previous championship titles, faces the 114th-ranked Vietnam, a two-time champion. In the initial leg, the War Elephants were narrowly defeated 1-2. To clinch the title, Thailand must win the final match by at least one goal to force extra time or by two goals to secure their eighth championship outright. A draw or loss would result in a third championship win for Vietnam.
The Rajamangala Stadium buzzed with excitement from the early afternoon, despite tickets being sold out in advance, leaving some fans to resort to purchasing overpriced tickets. For those unable to gain entry, a giant screen was set up outside Huamark Indoor Stadium, allowing fans to enjoy the game amidst the lively atmosphere of singing and drumming from Thai supporters.
A contingent of approximately 1,000 Vietnamese fans also made their presence felt, carrying a replica trophy into the stadium and expressing confidence in their team's chances, predicting a draw. The match's starting lineup revealed strategic changes by coach Ishii, with the omission of key players Nicholas Mikelson and Benjamin Davis, and a focus on defense and attack led by Pansa Hemviboon, Suphanan Burirat, and Supachai Sarachat, respectively.
The financial incentive for the War Elephants, offered by Madam Pang in collaboration with the private sector, amounts to a potential total of 20 million baht. This sum includes bonuses from previous rounds and the championship prize money, pending a win against Vietnam.
Vietnam, coached by Kim Sang-sik, boasts a strong lineup featuring Nguyen Son Son, a Brazilian-born striker with seven goals to his name, including two against Thailand in the prior match, and Nguyen Hoang Duc, a pivotal midfielder. The team is eager to challenge Thailand's dominance in the championship.