'We are not afraid of Vietnam': Thailand defender

After Thailand's dramatic 4-3 victory on aggregate over the Philippines secured their spot in the final, Aukkee was asked if he was concerned about facing Vietnam in the two-legged final on Jan. 2 and 5, 2025. The defender dismissed the question and said: "Thailand’s form is improving with every match. We’re not afraid of playing Vietnam in Bangkok. The question should be whether Vietnam are afraid of Thailand."

Aukkee, a key player in Thailand's defense, is expected to face off against Nguyen Xuan Son, the tournament's current top scorer with five goals in just three matches.

"Who is Xuan Son?" Aukkee said when asked about the naturalized striker. "Is he really that strong? Let him go head-to-head with Khemdee. I guarantee Khemdee is much stronger."

Jonathan Khemdee, Aukkee's teammate, is a towering 1.9-m center-back. Born and raised in Denmark, the 22-year-old has been a standout performer in the 2024 ASEAN Cup and is eager to help Thailand retain the ASEAN Cup title.

Chalermsak, who stands at 1.82 m, is a veteran defender of Thailand, having played a crucial role in their 2022 AFF Cup victory.

Son stands at 1.85 m and weighs over 90 kg. Since his debut in Vietnam’s 5-0 group-stage win over Myanmar, Son has been directly involved in 80% of the team’s goals. His performances have garnered attention from regional media, with Thai football pundit Ta Lao likening him to "a software that can win any video game."

Before the second leg of the semifinals in Bangkok on Monday, Aukkee declared that Thailand would make the Philippines cry by preventing them from reaching the final. His statement angered the visiting team's fans and they wanted revenge. Despite losing 3-4 on aggregate, the Philippines also made it difficult for Thailand as they took the game into extra time.

In the post-match interview, Aukkee felt relieved that Thailand won the match.

"I feel like all the burdens on my shoulders are gone," the 30-year-old defender said. "I said that before the match not to disrespect the Philippines, but because we have the talented coach Masatada Ishii. I didn’t mean to put pressure on my teammates".

Thailand lost 1-2 to the Philippines in the first leg at the of Rizal Memorial Stadium on Dec. 27. In the return leg at Rajamangala Stadium, Thailand led 3-2 on aggregate but conceded an 84th-minute equalizer shortly after Chalermsak was substituted for Jonathan Khemdee. Despite multiple opportunities for the Philippines in extra time, it was Thailand’s Suphanat Muenta who scored the decisive goal in the 116th minute to secure their place in the final.

 

 

'We are not afraid of Vietnam': Thailand defender

Thái Lan 3-2 Philippines