AFF Cup
Teerasil Dangda’s sixth goal of the competition cancelled out Malaysia’s first leg lead with Bordin Phala and substitute Adisak Kraisorn then confirming Thailand a 10th appearance in the AFF Cup final.
Polking was particularly pleased with how his players contained Malaysia in the first half at the Thammasat Stadium.
“Two fantastic semi-finals but I believe the match in Malaysia was the better one for us than today,” said Polking. “Overall, these two games were better than the group stage.
“We got the goals we needed but it was a tough match, especially in the first half. But they couldn't create chances because we defended well. We knew we couldn't let them get a goal here.”
Six-time champions Thailand will face Vietnam, who beat Indonesia 2-0 on aggregate in the other semi-final, in the first leg in Hanoi on Friday, with the return fixture three days later.
Malaysia’s bid for a second title fell short but head coach Kim Pan-gon only had praise for his players.
“I have zero complaints and regrets after what my players did tonight ― they were running, they followed my instructions, they fought until the end,” said Kim.
“All the problems were from my side - tactical, line-up and strategy were mine (decisions), not the players. Any decision is my decision, you can blame me and you can attack me (but) not the players.”
Photos: Football Association of Thailand
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