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Just like the SEA Games final in May, the match was marred by rough play and dangerous tackles though this time there were no brawls.
Before the match the Football Association of Thailand reminded the players to focus on the game and keep their cool. But Indonesia's rough style seemed to bring out all the animosity in the open.
When striker Kelly Sroyer opened the scoring for Indonesia in the 10th minute, the Thai players lost their temper.
When Sroyer was on the ball in the 18th minute, two Thai players shoved him from the front and back.
But the lack of composure caused Thailand to concede a second goal five minutes later when a strong throw-in by defender Robi Darwis into the penalty area found center-back Muhammad Ferarri, who headed it in.
The Thai defense struggled time and again with Darwis’s fearsome throw-ins.
Indonesia generally played better than the hosts but were confused sometimes, especially after striker Chukid Wanpraphao's header got one back for Thailand in the 27th minute.
Head coach Shin Tae-yong went to the touchline and signaled to the players to slow down the tempo.
It proved effective as Indonesia gradually regained control of the game to make it 3-1 by the end of the first half after an own goal by defender Natcha Promsomboon.
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Indonesia players celebrate the third goal against Thailand in the AFF U23 Championship semifinal on Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa |
After the ball entered the net, an Indonesian player took another shot and the Thai players were on a short fuse. The two sides seemed set for a brawl, but referee Hiroki Kasahara quickly stepped in and broke them up.
The Japanese referee intervened quickly to calm things whenever they got heated, but did not award many yellow cards despite a flurry of dangerous fouls.
The second half did not see more goals, but Thailand played rougher and quickly ran out of steam.
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Indonesia (red) and Thailand players fight after Indonesia scored their third goal in the AFF U23 Championship semifinal in Rayong Stadium, Thailand, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa |
Toward the end of the game Thai midfielder Nathathop Kaewklang kicked Dwi Septiawan’s calf, but got away with a warning.
Thai fans began to troop out from the 80th minute after seeing their team’s disappointing show.
The final will begin at 8 p.m. on Saturday, while Thailand play Malaysia for third place at 4 p.m.
Vietnam scored a 4-1 victory over Malaysia in the other semifinal, and in the title clash will be eyeing revenge for their SEA Games semifinal loss to Indonesia.
AFF U23 Championship semifinal: Thailand 1-3 Indonesia
