Coaches agree best teams are in AFF Suzuki Cup final

Football: Coaches agree best teams are in AFF Suzuki Cup final

Winfried Schafer (L) and Raddy Avramovic (R) at a news conference before the AFF

Both Singapore's and Thailand's coaches have agreed that the two countries have performed the best in this year's AFF Suzuki Cup competition.

They have also said that it is no surprise both countries are in the final.

Singapore's preparations were not the best going into the tournament; the Lions have clawed their way into the final and can now make regional history by beating Thailand.

Lifting the Cup will be all the more special, given the speculation that it could be coach Raddy's last tournament with the team.

"I'm very happy that we are here because not many people gave us a chance. But our players have done an absolutely great job and we are in the finals, why don't we try to win," said Raddy Avramovic, head coach for Singapore's team.

Many expect Thailand to win; the team is seen by many as the favourites. Expectations are high back home as well, and the Thai coach is targeting a win.

"I hope we have a good result tomorrow and (recreate) the big success in Bangkok. That is our target, our goal," said Winfried Schafer, coach for the Thai team.

Some 180 Thai fans have followed the team to Singapore to lend their support.

The first leg kicks off Wednesday night at the Jalan Besar Stadium, with the return leg on Saturday in Bangkok.

Thailand and Singapore are the only two teams that have won this title on three previous occasions.

Both teams will not be holding back over the two legs as they vie for the honour of being the first country in Southeast Asia to win the Cup for the fourth time.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~