Singapore on the verge of winning the fourth title of AFF Suzuki Cup after convincing 3-1 win in the final first leg. Thailand will need to score two goals without conceding to overturn the deficit and win the title.
Thailand begin to attack as soon as referee blows the whistle to start the match as they try to force an early lead. Singapore meanwhile are trying to hold their two-goal advantage as they prevent any attacking moves and clear cut chances from the home side. Thailand creates numerous chances but unable to turn it into goals as Singapore keep it tight at defence. But as the first half end were looming, a cross from the corner somehow met the head of striker Kirati Keawsombut to score a powerful header inside the penalty area in the 45th minute. It was a much-needed goal for the War Elephants as they look to build their lead further.
While Thailand may continue the way they played from the first half, Avramovic may need to aware and warn his side to keep focus and avoid from making too many mistakes, as they might be punished by the home side once and for all.
Thailand were largely dominant in the second half as they trying to pushed for a goal that they have been waiting for since the beginning of the match. Chance by chance were not taken by the home side as their profligacy in front of goal prevent them from scoring more and were left frustrated by the away side. A sturdy defence and rearguard display saw Singapore managed to hold a thin one-goal advantage until the final whistle to clinch what would be a record-breaking of a fourth title in the AFF Suzuki Cup tournament, a new record for the Lions.
Singapore will go down in history as the most successful side in the South East Asian region, having won the AFF Suzuki Cup titles for four times in 1998, 2004, 2007 and 2012, the most title won in the history of competition. The newly-crowned champions were also marked a glorious departure from their most successful coach, Radojko Avramovic; who runs out his contract with the Lions at the end of the year and experienced striker Aleksandar Duric; who will retire from international scene at the end of the tournament today.
Teerasil Dangda receives the Golden Boot Award after scoring five goals in the tournament.
Co-host Malaysia receives a Fair Play Award after a series of good showing in fair play in the tournament.
Shahril Ishak receives the Most Valuable Player after strings of delightful performances during the tournament.
Man of the Match: Izwan Mahbud