World Cup Qualifying Southeast Asia

World Cup Qualifying Matchday 1 – SEA Best XI

By: , September 9, 2019 10:02 pm

The first round of AFC World Cup Qualifying kicked off in earnest, with four Southeast Asian nations going head-to-head in Group C. Today, we take a look at the eleven players who performed the best in our team of the week.

Goalkeeper

Name: Dang Van Lam

Age: 26

Nationality: Vietnam

The goalkeeper was in fine form against Thailand. He made a number of critical saves, including a superb stop in the final minutes to deny Supachok's goal to help Vietnam pick up a valuable point on the road.

Defender

Name: Matthew Davies

Age: 24

Nationality: Malaysia

He was good in his role supporting the attacking force especially from the right side. His crosses were very accurate and could create chances.

Defender

Name: Bui Tien Dung

Age: 24

Nationality: Vietnam

He had his best match for the national team since the start of the year, contributing many blocks and good passes.

Defender

Name: Theerathon Bunmathan

Age: 29

Nationality: Thailand

Theerathon's experience helped carry Thailand through some high-pressure periods. The J-League star's excellent technique and passing ability allow the home side to dominate the entire left flank.

Central Midfielder

Name: Evan Dimas Darmono

Age: 24

Nationality: Indonesia

Evan was excellent, as he controlled all the gameplay from the center of the field. He was the heart of the team again with his passing and vision that created two attacking schemes which led to two goals on the first half.

Central Midfielder

Name: Phitiwat Sukjitthammakul

Age: 24

Nationality: Thailand

The 24 years old would've had a perfect senior debut in he wasn't carried off with an injury. Phitiwat energy and fight gave Thailand penetration on the left and his link-up with Supachok and Theerathon was top-notch.

Right Midfielder

Name: Saddil Ramdani

Age: 20

Nationality: Indonesia

Unfortunately, he did not play in a full game, but when he was on the pitch he was very explosive running down the wing, giving one assist for Beto to open the scoring.

Left Midfielder

Name: Mohamadou Sumareh

Age: 24

Nationality: Malaysia

His speed and good finishing proved vital for Malaysia. The naturalized player was the super sub for Malaysia on Thursday night, as his brace gave the Malayan Tigers an incredible 3-2 win over arch-rivals Indonesia.

Attacking Midfielder

Name: Syafiq Ahmad

Age: 24

Nationality: Malaysia

Good in the air and in front of goal, Syafiq Ahmad got on the scoresheet in Malaysia's 3-2 win over Indonesia.

Forward

Name: Supachok Sarachat

Age: 21

Nationality: Thailand

Supachok Sarachat caused the Vietnamese defenders all sorts of trouble cutting inside from the left flank. The Buriram United youngster almost found the net at the end of the first half, and once again in extra-time when he took a touch past Dang Van Lam only for his shot to be blocked by bodies of players.

Forward

Name: Alberto Goncalves

Age: 38

Nationality: Indonesia

Scored a brace to embrace Indonesia's hope on their first match against Malaysia. Battling for 90 minutes to keep Indonesia competitive in the game, Beto showed that he is still the Garuda's best asset going forward.