Bangkok: Coach Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul, commonly known as "Coach Wang," has taken responsibility for Thailand's failure to secure the SEA Games football championship against Vietnam. He acknowledged the shortcomings in his tactical approach and expressed his willingness to continue in his role, contingent upon the decision of the Football Association of Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, the highly anticipated 2025 SEA Games men's football final was held at Rajamangala National Stadium. The match featured Thailand, 16-time champions, against Vietnam, who have claimed the title three times. Despite Thailand's initial dominance, the game ended in disappointment for the home team.
In the match, Thailand's strategy centered around Yosakorn Burapha, who led the scoring charts with six goals prior to the final. The midfield was orchestrated by Seksan Ratree and Kakana Khamyok. Vietnam, on the other hand, was spearheaded by Nguyen Dinh Bac, who had scored twice in the tournament before the final.
Thailand took an early lead, with Yosakorn Burapha scoring a stunning free-kick goal in the 20th minute, marking his seventh goal of the tournament. Seksan Ratree added a second goal in the 31st minute, giving Thailand a 2-0 advantage at halftime.
However, the momentum shifted in the second half when Vietnam was awarded a penalty in the 47th minute, which Nguyen Dinh Bac successfully converted. Pham Lai Duc's equalizer in the 60th minute set the stage for a tense extra-time period. Nguyen Thanh Nan's decisive goal in the 95th minute secured Vietnam's 4th championship win, leaving Thailand to settle for the silver medal.
This defeat extends Thailand's wait for a championship title, having missed out in the last four SEA Games editions. It also marks a historical moment, as it is the first time in 50 years that Thailand has failed to win a gold medal as the host nation.
Post-match, "Madam Pang" Nualphan Lamsam, the President of the Football Association of Thailand, expressed her disappointment with a succinct "heartbroken" statement to the media. Despite the loss, she had previously awarded the team a bonus of 1.8 million baht.
Coach Wang expressed his gratitude to the clubs for their cooperation and acknowledged that the tactical decisions were his responsibility. He identified the loss of defender Chanaphat Buaphan in the first half as a pivotal moment that contributed to the shift in momentum.
When questioned about his future with the team, Coach Wang expressed his readiness to continue, but emphasized that the decision lies with the association's management. Striker Yosakorn Burapha, despite his personal success, shared his disappointment and expressed a desire to compete in the SEA Games again.