The Indonesian national team clashed with Thailand in the 2020 AFF Cup final. The strength of the Garuda squad was considered dangerous by the War Elephant coach, Alexandre Polking.
Indonesia qualified for the top of the 2020 AFF Cup after eliminating host Singapore in the semifinals. Shin Tae-yong’s squad won 4-2 on aggregate.
Meanwhile, Thailand locked tickets to the final by silencing the defending champions of the AFF Cup, Vietnam. Chanathip Songkrasin et al win 2-0 on aggregate over The Golden Star.
The 2020 AFF Cup Final is the fourth time the two teams have met in the final. Thailand was superior to Indonesia in the three finals in 2000, 2002 and 2016.
Thailand won 4-1 over Indonesia in the 2000 final, then won 4-2 on penalties over Garuda in the final two years later. The White Elephant Country once again defeated the Red-White Squad with an aggregate of 3-2 in 2016.
Although statistically Thailand was superior to Indonesia in the final, Alexandre Polking did not consider these records as an advantage. He considers the current Garuda as a dangerous team with its speed and aggressiveness.
“I don’t think who is the favorite team. I have watched 3 Indonesian matches live from the stands, they are very dangerous and have a lot of players who are very fast, play very fiercely. They always give their best in duels,” said Polking, quoted from Bong da 24h.
“We have great respect for them, the next two games will be difficult but important. We have to prepare a completely different strategy for the final, with only two days of preparation,” he said.
The first leg of the 2020 AFF Cup final will take place on December 29, 2021, while the second leg will be held on January 1, 2022. The entire Indonesia vs Thailand duel will be held at the National Stadium, Singapore.
(bay/cas)
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