New Voice
04-15-2000, 12:07 PM
Chiangmai (15.4.00)
Hosts Bangkok Bank continued to impress, comfortably winning the third-place play-off against admittedly weakened opponents. Having only lost on penalties to the professionals of Shimizu S-Pulse in their semi-final, the Thais outplayed Novbakhor with a disciplined display that suggested Thai football has a bright future.
The Uzbeks, who already had three players absent through injury, lost another three players through suspension or fitness problems after Thursday's semi-final against the Iraqis Al Zawra. The cracks in their paper-thin squad showed immediately as the Bangkok team scored from their first attack. In the fourth minute left wing-back Sanong Chaiprakhom broke into the box only to be tripped by Azamjon Khafizov and Apichad Thaveechalermdit coolly converted the penalty.
To their credit the Uzbek's refused to be flustered by the early set-back, and having clawed their way back into the match, they equalised 20 minutes later. Midfielder Shukhardjon Mirkholdirshaev wriggled away from three defenders to calmly stroke the ball home.
However all Novbakhor's work was undone in the space of two minutes just before half-time. Somchai Huneang produced an equally calm finish in the 35th minute after a perfectly executed one-two with Apirak Sriaroon. Then a stroke of luck gave the Thais breathing space as Nawee Hatihakreangkrai's attempted cross dipped into the top far corner of Oleg Belyakov's goal.
Bangkok Bank continued to play neat, well organised and inventive football in the second half while their opponents struggled in the heat and humidity. Both sides went near to adding to the score, Krongpol Daoruaqeng going closest for Bangkok with just seconds remaining with a diving header, and in the end the Thais ran out worthy winners.
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Chalermvud Sangnapol - Coach of Bangkok Bank
Bangkok Bank are very pleased to have reached the semi-finals, especially knowing we were among four of the best teams in Asia. In the end we've played two matches and haven't lost - Penalties are down to chance and luck, so I don't really regard that as losing.
After our defeat against the Japanese we set our sights on third place and we think that this is a significant step in our aim of reaching the top of Asian and we our very hopeful of reaching our goal.
We're very pleased to get recognition for our level of professionalism. We're very encouraged because we've shown our attempts, and the attempts of Thai clubs in general, to be more professional, are showing results. This is not just for Bangkok Bank but talking for all Thai clubs.
We'd like to say if we can do it, so can you. We can all raise the level of Thai football together.
Viktor Djalilov - Coach of Novbakhor
In such tournaments there are always winners and losers and even though we've finished fourth we are very happy to have participated in the competition.. We have a very young team and this has been a very good experience for them.
Of course it was very difficult against Bangkok Bank as we were playing without six key players. It was difficult because we didn't even have enough substitutes, but this tournament has been a great benefit for our players. Now we will see what they can do in the Uzbek league.
Chiangmai (15.4.00)
Hosts Bangkok Bank continued to impress, comfortably winning the third-place play-off against admittedly weakened opponents. Having only lost on penalties to the professionals of Shimizu S-Pulse in their semi-final, the Thais outplayed Novbakhor with a disciplined display that suggested Thai football has a bright future.
The Uzbeks, who already had three players absent through injury, lost another three players through suspension or fitness problems after Thursday's semi-final against the Iraqis Al Zawra. The cracks in their paper-thin squad showed immediately as the Bangkok team scored from their first attack. In the fourth minute left wing-back Sanong Chaiprakhom broke into the box only to be tripped by Azamjon Khafizov and Apichad Thaveechalermdit coolly converted the penalty.
To their credit the Uzbek's refused to be flustered by the early set-back, and having clawed their way back into the match, they equalised 20 minutes later. Midfielder Shukhardjon Mirkholdirshaev wriggled away from three defenders to calmly stroke the ball home.
However all Novbakhor's work was undone in the space of two minutes just before half-time. Somchai Huneang produced an equally calm finish in the 35th minute after a perfectly executed one-two with Apirak Sriaroon. Then a stroke of luck gave the Thais breathing space as Nawee Hatihakreangkrai's attempted cross dipped into the top far corner of Oleg Belyakov's goal.
Bangkok Bank continued to play neat, well organised and inventive football in the second half while their opponents struggled in the heat and humidity. Both sides went near to adding to the score, Krongpol Daoruaqeng going closest for Bangkok with just seconds remaining with a diving header, and in the end the Thais ran out worthy winners.
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Chalermvud Sangnapol - Coach of Bangkok Bank
Bangkok Bank are very pleased to have reached the semi-finals, especially knowing we were among four of the best teams in Asia. In the end we've played two matches and haven't lost - Penalties are down to chance and luck, so I don't really regard that as losing.
After our defeat against the Japanese we set our sights on third place and we think that this is a significant step in our aim of reaching the top of Asian and we our very hopeful of reaching our goal.
We're very pleased to get recognition for our level of professionalism. We're very encouraged because we've shown our attempts, and the attempts of Thai clubs in general, to be more professional, are showing results. This is not just for Bangkok Bank but talking for all Thai clubs.
We'd like to say if we can do it, so can you. We can all raise the level of Thai football together.
Viktor Djalilov - Coach of Novbakhor
In such tournaments there are always winners and losers and even though we've finished fourth we are very happy to have participated in the competition.. We have a very young team and this has been a very good experience for them.
Of course it was very difficult against Bangkok Bank as we were playing without six key players. It was difficult because we didn't even have enough substitutes, but this tournament has been a great benefit for our players. Now we will see what they can do in the Uzbek league.
Chiangmai (15.4.00)