While Thailand head coach Thongchai Rungreangleas was philosophical, Fakhri Hussaini, the boss of Indonesia was inspired ahead of their final clash of the AFF Under-16 Championship at the Delta Sidoarjo Stadium later today.
Thailand made the final of the tournament this year after beating Myanmar 1-0 while Indonesia overcame Malaysia by the same scoreline in the semifinal matches.
“For the final match, my concern is for the players to play according to team tactics and keep to the philosophy which has been set,” said Thongchai.
“We have to play a smart game where we need to maintain possession. We know that it will be a hard game in the final but we would rather focus on our own team and how we develop throughout this tournament than who we are up against.”
The Thais have plenty to make up for considering that they lost out the title last year after losing to Vietnam through penalties.
In the meantime, Fakhri said that having secured their place in the final, it is important that the team go all the way and win the title this year.
“The fans have been fabulous throughout the championship and the best thing that we can do for them is to win the Cup and give them a reason to celebrate,” added Fakhri.
“I expect a close game in the final but I am confident of the players and what they can deliver.”
The final match between Thailand and Indonesia will be played at 1900hrs while the fight for third between Myanmar and Malaysia will be held earlier at 1530hrs.
Both matches will be played at the Delta Sidoarjo Stadium.
FIXTURES
11 Aug 2018 – All matches at the Delta Sidoarjo Stadium
1530: Myanmar vs Malaysia (Third/Fourth placing)
1900: Thailand vs Indonesia (Final)
