Southeast Asian Fans: 'SEA Games Final is Better Than World Cup'

While some Thai fans consider the 32nd SEA Games final to be a shame for Southeast Asia, Indonesian and Philippine fans seem to enjoy it.

The scuffle between players and coaches of the two teams. Photo: Hieu Luong — The scuffle between players and coaches of the two teams. Photo: *Hieu Luong*

On the Southeast Asian football forum Asean Football , posts updating the score of the match at the Olympic Stadium on the evening of May 16 attracted thousands of comments.

Many Indonesian fans were excited about the action, including the clashes between the two teams at the end of the second half and the beginning of the first extra time. "This is the best movie. Sports , action, adventure, thriller, everything," commented fan Zul Fahmi Ramadhan.

Indonesian football site Garuda Talk gave a red X to the World Cup final, a green tick to the 32nd SEA Games final with the comment: "The best final in the world ".

"Great match from Indonesia," commented Thai fan Natthawut Veeragitpanit. "Sorry for the inappropriate celebration by the Thai players. Our youth teams often lose discipline like that."

In this match, Indonesia took a two-goal lead in the first half thanks to an own goal by Songchai and a goal by Sananta. Thailand did not give up. They reduced the gap thanks to Anan and then equalized in the ninth minute of injury time with a shot by Yotsakor. After scoring, Thai players ran along the stands, through the technical area of Indonesia, leading to a scuffle between the two teams.

Indonesia took the lead again early in the first period of extra time thanks to Irfan Jauhari. This goal sparked another brawl. The referee had to show five red cards, to Indonesian defender Komang, Thai goalkeeper Soponvit, two members of the Thai coaching staff and one member of the Indonesian coaching staff.

Then, center-back Jonathan Khemdee received a second yellow card, forcing Thailand to play the rest of extra time with only nine men. Thanks to the numerical advantage, Indonesia scored two more goals, won 5-2 and won the SEA Games gold medal.

A Filipino fan shared: "The match was great. Congratulations to Indonesia after many years of heartache. You deserve this gold medal. I remember when you lost to Malaysia in the penalty shootout of the 2011 SEA Games final, held in Indonesia. It was a painful defeat, but in the end you won the championship."

Thai fan Narongsak Chiwimahannob expressed: "Congratulations to the clean champion Indonesia. Today, Thailand lost their image on and off the field, lost the score, and went against the spirit of sportsmanship. I am very sorry for the incident. I hope player number 2 is not in too much pain and heals soon. Fights like this should not happen again."

However, there are also some opinions that disagree with the behavior of the young players. "I am watching football with more spice than ever. Ugly on and off the field. The shame of Southeast Asian football," commented Thai fan Nat Nattapon. "Please Cambodia broadcast the match for the whole world to see. Thank you very much to both teams. Thank you for the Gunkhmare papaya salad. We have spread it to the world."

Vinh San

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