This is... Truly Satisfying (Plus)
I’m writing today’s Thairath Newspaper Column feeling very happy and delighted.
Because last Sunday, both the beloved local and international teams secured victories and earned 3 points each.
Starting in the evening, True Bangkok United traveled to defeat Thai League leaders Buriram United 2-0.
They handed the Thunder Castle Warriors their first home defeat of the season, defying all expectations.
Later that night, Manchester United scored a dramatic winning goal in injury time to beat Fulham 3-2.
They achieved an impressive third consecutive Premier League victory!
Especially this week, Thai League’s Matchday 19 was a weekend full of surprising upsets on both Saturday and Sunday.
Starting with the end of the month Saturday, Chonburi FC hosted their allies Port FC.
Before kickoff, Port FC were considered clear favorites, and during the match they took the lead twice.
But in the end, Chonburi came back to equalize 2-2.
Then in the final moments of injury time, George Philippe scored the winning goal for Chonburi, snatching a sharp 3-2 victory.
Port FC had to leave empty-handed again after two recent away matches in the eastern region since the New Year.
Previously, they suffered a severe defeat visiting Rayong FC.
Despite taking an early lead with two quick goals, expecting an easy win,
they instead faced the fierce power of the Black Stallions and were shockingly beaten 2-5.
It seems Coach Alexandre Gama doesn’t adapt well to playing in coastal cities, or something like that.
Whenever his teams play in this region, they always falter late, suffering the so-called “saltwater curse.”
As for the big Thai League match at the start of the new month last Sunday, it was even more unexpected.
The True Bangkok United squad traveled to the Northeast, arriving as underdogs in many respects.
They also had nearly ten injured players and their form was still somewhat unstable.
It was no surprise that experts and pundits unanimously predicted that True Bangkok United would not survive the San Don stadium.
But when they actually played, everything did not go as smoothly as expected for the league leaders.
“Coach Ban” Thachathorn Sripan demonstrated his brilliance as a tactical coach, focusing on solid defense and precise quick counterattacks when the opportunity arose.
This allowed Bangkok United to take the lead in the first half with a sharp header from Rivaldinho, the beloved son of Rivaldo, the legendary Brazilian striker from the “3R Era.”
This was his first goal in True Bangkok United’s colors.
For the remainder of the match, the Thunder Castle Warriors pushed hard to score an equalizer.
But they failed to break through until the visitors struck again with a late goal in injury time.
The goal came from the new Samba forward Arthur Moura, sealing a 2-0 victory for the away team.
This was Buriram’s second defeat and their first home loss of the season.
But more importantly, it ended a 16-year curse of True Bangkok United never having won at Buriram’s Chang Arena.
This was their first victory there since their first encounter in 2010, a span of 16 years.
This era began when Big Khajorn Chiawannont took the club president seat.
The credit for this historic new chapter for the capital’s top team must go to the mastermind Coach Ban Thachathorn.
His game planning, strategy, and in-game adjustments allowed them to compete impressively against the Thunder Castle Warriors.
It’s no wonder he’s hailed as the best Thai coach of our time.
Leading the team to outplay Buriram on their home turf is not his first time doing so.
Several years ago, as head coach of Muangthong United, he had already achieved similar feats.
He could be called a specialist in ‘conquering the Thunder Castle.’
This full 3-point victory in this big match might not drastically change Buriram’s championship pursuit.
Looking at the current league table, they have a significant points lead over their challengers.
However, at least it brought excitement, adrenaline, and inspiration.
It motivated other teams to courageously step up and challenge the giants of Khao Kradong.
Well!! Toppling the league leader on their own ground—how could that not be thrilling?
This definitely calls for celebrating together (Plus) to keep up with the trend, haha.
- Bee Bangpakong -