If South Korea felt that a last four tie against Thailand in the Asian Games in September was the easy route to the final, the hosts were made to think again.
These Taeguk Warriors were experienced as it is possible to be in an U-23 tournament and desperate too because gold meant exemption from 21 months of military service. They won 2-0 but it was a game that put the hard into hard-fought. At the end there was relief in the home camp and recriminations from the visitors as Thai fans bitterly complained about penalties given against and not given for. Korea skipper Jang Hyun-soo said that the opposition were perhaps the fastest he had ever faced.
Nine of that confident Thai team that so surprised Korea in Incheon also started the second leg of the final of the AFF Suzuki Cup against Malaysia on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur. Leading 2-0 from the first leg, Thailand were in serious trouble against the rampant hosts at 3-0 down on the night before two late goals meant a 4-3 aggregate win. The celebrations from the small away contingent were in marked contrast to the 100,000 home fans at the Bukit Jalil Stadium and their glum looking Prime Minister. This trophy is a big deal