Goalkeeper Patiwat: We won't let the Cup leave Thailand

Thailand lost 1-2 to Vietnam in the first leg two days ago at Viet Tri Stadium. They must win by two goals to turn the game around, or by one goal to send the match into extra time.

Ahead of the return leg at Rajamangala Stadium, the Thai players are determined to win, including goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai and captain Peeradon Chamratsamee. "We will not let the Cup leave Thailand," said Patiwat. "There is no other way but to win. The team must fight and avoid mistakes."

In the first leg, Patiwat was the best player on the Thai side, when he wasSofascore7.9 points. He faced 21 shots, had seven saves against difficult shots from Nguyen Quang Hai or Nguyen Xuan Son. In both of Vietnam's goals, Patiwat made no mistake.

Patiwat said coach Masatada Ishii asked the team to fight harder than in the first leg.

Meanwhile, captain Peeradon Chamratsamee tried to encourage his teammates to regain their confidence. "No one is satisfied after the defeat," Peeradon said at a press conference before the match this afternoon, January 4. "The team is focusing on recovering their physical condition and trying their best to change the situation tomorrow."

Patiwat and Peeradon also thanked the Thai fans who came to cheer them on at Rajamangala Stadium, after all 47,000 tickets were sold out. This encouraged them to fight hard not to disappoint their home crowd.

17 years ago, Thailand lost 1-2 to Vietnam at Rajamangala Stadium in the first leg of the 2008 AFF Cup (now ASEAN Cup) final. The two teams then drew 1-1 at My Dinh Stadium, a result that was enough for Vietnam to win the Southeast Asian championship for the first time.

The 1-2 defeat two days ago was the first time Thailand lost to Vietnam on the opponent's field in 27 years. It was also the fourth loss to Vietnam in history, but never lost two matches in a row.