Muang Thong United Thread

[druryfire]

Last year you scored 48 goals in lifting the championship. This time after 23 games you have scored 50!!

Since we have had a 30 game season, 53 goals has been the most scored in a campaign - last year by BEC.

Historically speaking, to win the championship you need a little over 60 points. Another 9 points for MTU should see them become back to back winners.

[BKK73]

Well after tonight's 1-0 victory over the Police that would mean that MTU only need 6 more points to confirm that theory.
Looking at Muangthong's remaining fixtures, the only difficult game on paper would be Pattaya (A).

Muangthong weren't firing on all cylinders tonight but they did enough to win. The first half was pretty dull apart from MTU's goal just before the break. After half-time it was a bit more lively and both teams had chances to score. I thought Christian and Kone had poor games tonight and even Datsakorn wasn't at his impish best. The Police are an underrated team and at the end of the day, I'm sure Rene will be more happy with the result rather than the performance.

[the_englishman]

Well after tonight's 1-0 victory over the Police that would mean that MTU only need 6 more points to confirm that theory.
Looking at Muangthong's remaining fixtures, the only difficult game on paper would be Pattaya (A).

Muangthong weren't firing on all cylinders tonight but they did enough to win. The first half was pretty dull apart from MTU's goal just before the break. After half-time it was a bit more lively and both teams had chances to score. I thought Christian and Kone had poor games tonight and even Datsakorn wasn't at his impish best. The Police are an underrated team and at the end of the day, I'm sure Rene will be more happy with the result rather than the performance.

Agree with all except the Datsakorn verdict. I'm giving him my MOM. Report to come sometime at the weekend.

[BKK73]

Well after tonight's 1-0 victory over the Police that would mean that MTU only need 6 more points to confirm that theory.
Looking at Muangthong's remaining fixtures, the only difficult game on paper would be Pattaya (A).



Muangthong weren't firing on all cylinders tonight but they did enough to win. The first half was pretty dull apart from MTU's goal just before the break. After half-time it was a bit more lively and both teams had chances to score. I thought Christian and Kone had poor games tonight and even Datsakorn wasn't at his impish best. The Police are an underrated team and at the end of the day, I'm sure Rene will be more happy with the result rather than the performance.

Agree with all except the Datsakorn verdict. I'm giving him my MOM. Report to come sometime at the weekend.

I thought Datsakorn's deliveries from set pieces were poor and there was an incident near the end of the game when he lost the ball near the corner flag and for some reason he sulked and made zero effort to get back to his position in centre mid. It was lucky for him that # 28 covered for him. That's not the way for a player of his caliber to behave when your team is 1-0 with 5 mins to go.

I thought Muangthong's back 4 were very well organized and the best players for me were the left back (#35 ) and the centre half (#5).

[the_englishman]

Amazing, I thought Kaevm #35 was our weakest player and Datsakorn had a great game!

The beauty of football of course, we can walk away with such different opinions. However this does mean I'll have to consult Matt and ask him to nominate the MOM.

[BKK73]

Amazing, I thought Kaevm #35 was our weakest player and Datsakorn had a great game!

The beauty of football of course, we can walk away with such different opinions. However this does mean I'll have to consult Matt and ask him to nominate the MOM.

You know the team a lot better than me so your instinct will be correct. I'm still referring to most of the players by numbers rather than name. It'll be interesting to know who Matt nominated for MotM. He's probably gone for somebody completely different. 

[charade_2010]

Desaeyere determined despite difficulties

Muangthong coach Rene Desaeyere feels his side could not have got a harder route to the semi-finals of the AFC Cup but is quietly confident of causing an upset when they tackle Al Karamah at Khaled Ibn Al Waleed Stadium on Tuesday.

The Thais return to West Asia after having already claimed a scalp from the region with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Qatar's Al Rayyan in the last 16.

But it will certainly be no easy task for Muangthong against last year's AFC Cup finalists Al Karamah but they will be hopeful they can extend their good domestic form onto the continental stage.

The reigning Thailand Premier League champions moved five points clear at the top of the current standings with a 1-0 win over Police United on Saturday and Desaeyere is keen for his side to maintain their recent good form.

"We were drawn in the hardest possible situation against a team who have a lot of experience and good history in the Asian competitions," said the 62-year-old Belgian.

"They also have many fans who are one of their key weapons.

"We were underdogs before the game against Al Rayyan but now we have all the attention. Now we will play against another team from West Asia but this time we will have a lot more confidence."

Desaeyere vowed his side will be going for victory in the first-leg match in Syria but knows a certain amount of caution will be necessary as a heavy defeat would be a major blow to their hopes of getting a result in the return leg next week.

"I'm looking forward to getting the best possible result, which is to win the game," he added.

"However, we respect our opponents and we will try our best to avoid a bad result which could cost us everything."

A disadvantage for Muangthong, however, is that Desaeyere will not be able to take his place in the dugout for the game as he serves a suspension.

[glenn_pattaya]

Pattaya Utd infiltrate Muang Thong - Myself and about nine other PTU fans will be at Muamg Thong for the game tomorrow. They are all Belgians (i'm the sole Brit) and have been given a box by your kindly coach for the match so if you see ten guys not really knowing whether to cheer or not (maybe hoping for injuries) and if I know my Belgian buddies drinking far too much beer - come and say hello. Another hint is that we'll be the only ones not wearing red MT shirts or white bed linen (hope that's not racist!). Hope its a good game.

[lokomotive]

Are those belgian lads from the Royal Antwerp Fanclub?

[glenn_pattaya]

I know a couple of them are Royal Antwerp - Danny is a big fan - but there are a couple of Racing Genk fans as well.

[charade_2010]

MTU’s home form concerns Karamah’s Kwid

Bangkok: Al Karamah coach Mohammad Kwid conceded Muangthong’s formidable home form will make them difficult to beat at Thunderdome Stadium on Tuesday but is confident his side possesses the strength to seal their passage to the semi-finals of the AFC Cup.

The 2009 runners-up claimed a 1-0 win in their quarter-final first-leg encounter in Syria last week to give them a slender advantage heading in the game.

Muangthong have made their home stadium something of a fortress in their domestic league this season and have won their last nine successive games there while conceding just one goal.

“The match will be very difficult. I regret that we did not score more in the first leg,” said Kwid.

“Muangthong are a very strong team, it will be a very different and more difficult game here in Bangkok.

“Muangthong rarely lose at home and are very organised with a good coach and great players.

“But I believe that our past experience in both the AFC Cup and the AFC Champions League will carry us through to the next round.”

Kwid singled out Muangthong midfield dynamo Datsakorn Thonglao as the main player they have to watch.


“Their whole team has quality but he is someone we will pay extra attention to as he has the ability to change the game,” he added.

“Whatever the result I am sure the players have what it takes to qualify for the next round.”

Muangthong coach René Desaeyere was reserved on his team’s chances and acknowledged the Thailand Premier League champions will have to be at their very best to defeat Al Karamah.

“To go through we will have to have a very good day,” said the Belgian tactician.

“For the first leg many of our players were not fit. Our players have a lot to prove in this leg.

“The Syrian team is very strong as they play as a unit without star players. They will run and fight for 90 minutes.

“To get something from this match we either need to play with the same mentality or play with more skill than them all over the pitch.”

On his match strategy Desaeyere remarked: “We play with the same formation in all competitions. We start with three up front but there will be some changes to our tactics.

“We need to be more attacking to get anything out of the match but we must protect ourselves against counterattacks.

“This game will not be won on the tactics board but my players on the pitch.”

[the_englishman]

I've just been informed that the club have switched games so the Toyota game is this Thursday instead of the FA Cup game with Rajpracha.

[wolfman]

I've just been informed that the club have switched games so the Toyota game is this Thursday instead of the FA Cup game with Rajpracha.

Confirmed on TLO, although they don't have a date yet for the FA Cup match.

[wolfman]

MTU 2-0 (2-1 agg) v Al Karamah at halftime

[BangkokGlassBunny]

I hope I'm not jinxing them by saying they are looking fairly comfortable too.

It will be a great result and wonderful for Thai football. C'mon MTU

[wolfman]

I hope I'm not jinxing them by saying they are looking fairly comfortable too.

It will be a great result and wonderful for Thai football. C'mon MTU

2-0 at fulltime as well. MTU through 2-1 on aggregate. I missed the first half, as it was Junior Wolf's bedtime, but that second half looked comfortable, even with Al Karamah looking for the away goal.

Well done MTU.

[lokomotive]

Very nice, conratulation to MTU. Now vs Kazma (KUW) or Al Ittihad (SYR). Let's hope Thai Port can achieve the same today. So far a good day for Thai footie. It can become a great day maybe.

[charade_2010]

Friends , would you please sending me the video link ? I always get trouble in seeking it . 

[wolfman]

I watched the game on www.vipstand.net

[the_englishman]

MTU 2 Al Karamah 0
Now that's what I'm talking about!

(Or at least I will be with my report tomorrow)

[druryfire]

Excellant result today, eclipses the Chonburi - Melbourne result of a few years ago in my opinion.

One question:

What was the penalty decision like today? My Syrian contacts seem to think it wasn't a penalty and turned the game.

[charade_2010]

Desayere delight as Thais turn tie

Bangkok – Muang Thong United coach Rene Desayere hailed his side's performance as 'the best I have seen' as they overcame a one-goal deficit to knock last season's runners-up Al Karamah out of the AFC Cup and book a place in the semi-finals.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, first-half goals from Datsakorn Thonglao and Siaka Dagno saw the Thai team come out on top 2-0 at the Thunderdome Stadium and reach the last four of the continental competition.

“Tonight we played the best I have seen,” he said.

“We are all very happy and we hope this will spur us on in the competition.

“The Syrians were a very good side and we did not let one goal in against them. In fact we hardly let them have a shot.

“I did not talk about Al Karamah. I did not want the players to dwell on the opposition, just concentrate on their game. I did not think we played well in the first leg and I told them that football is an easy game they should enjoy.

“I told my players that when they are in possession of the ball they must run till they are free and their team mates must just look for free players.”

Desayere, though, was cautious over his side's chances of winning the competition.

“Now I am in trouble. At this club, I have a president that wants to win every competition we play in so I need to deliver,” he joked.

“Now my players must sleep and get ready for the next challenge.”

Al Karamah coach Mohamad Kwid, meanwhile, felt his side did not get the rub of the green over the two legs.

“Congratulations to Muangthong, they have many great players and their side is very strong. In the first leg we had a goal wrongly disallowed and had many chances to score that unfortunately we missed,” he said.

“Of course outside of Syria we need to play more defensively. We need to close players down and stop their attacks. But we did well and I don't think it was either a free-kick or a penalty that led to both their goals.

“In the second-half we tried to score, we pushed, all we needed was one goal but we could not do it.

“United are a very good side. I said before the game to my players that the winner of this game will go on and win the final. I stick by this. I believe that Muangthong will be victorious in the AFC Cup.”

[BKK73]

Excellant result today, eclipses the Chonburi - Melbourne result of a few years ago in my opinion.

One question:

What was the penalty decision like today? My Syrian contacts seem to think it wasn't a penalty and turned the game.

From watching the game on FBS the penalty looked very dubious. Christian appeared to make a meal of it. Nonetheless MTU were 1-0 up and well on top at that stage. It was a great all round performance from Muang Thong and if they hadn't been given that penalty, I reckon they'd still have won comfortably. Things possibly evened themselves out in the 2nd half after MTU were denied what looked like a penalty when Christian was blocked in the box by the last defender.

Anyway, well done to Muang Thong. Let's hope they can beat the 3 "Als" and bring the cup back to Thailand.

[the_englishman]

Excellant result today, eclipses the Chonburi - Melbourne result of a few years ago in my opinion.

One question:

What was the penalty decision like today? My Syrian contacts seem to think it wasn't a penalty and turned the game.

As I said in my report, it was at the other nd so I couldn't see it. However I do think the Syrians had decided it wasn't fair before they even saw it. It didn't turn the game except to slow down the pace of the MTU attacks. In the second half a defender blocked and spun himself into Christian who hit the deck. It looked a strong claim but the ref waved play on.

[glenn_pattaya]

I had a great view of the first incident and it was indeed a very dodgy penalty. However MT had a cast iron penalty turned down in the second half so it evened itself out. They were also well on top and created a few other chances so it wasn't a game turner. MT played very well and fully deserved the win. I was impressed by the support as well - good atmosphere - ok they had their little song books and the guys conducting them with microphones but they never stopped singing and were a credit to the team. It's interesting to see the supporters - they are more middle class guys and girls and are much better behaved than the Pattaya fans - I think the fans from Pattaya and maybe Thai Port tend to be a bit more down to earth - the language is brutal at Pattaya games for instance and loads of vitriol pours down from the terrace - though 95% is aimed at the ref. The MT lot do their hand shaking thing and it's all very subdued. Quite pleasant actually but very different. They really are very well behaved. If only they could lose that inane " Muang Thong Sut Yoot" chant when they do the sort of half nazi salute. That is cringe-worthy. Had a few beers after the game with some Muang Thong and Thai Port fans and it was all very jolly. Congrats on the win and good luck in the semis.
I was interested to read your piece on the level of the football when compared to the English game. I have always said that it is approx top end of our non-league. Maybe MT would be a league two side. Anybody else have any views - am I being too harsh? How would the likes of Southampton or Huddersfield do against MT in a  two leg match?

[lokomotive]

@ glenn, non league would be to harsh. Dont fotget that for example Chonburi beat Melbourne Victory at home by 3:1 and drew 1:1 in Japan vs Gamba Osaka. And I think fairly you can rate the J-League as one of the tops in Asia. As I am from Germany I would say that an average TPL team would be able to compete in the 3rd or 4th tier in Germany. WHich means that I rate Chonburi and MTU mauch higher of course.

The point is the physical strengths and tactic skills. I think it the end it would make the different. If you play like Thai Port did yesterday, you might win nothing. Over all there is no doubt about the technical skills of the Thai lads. 

[druryfire]

@ glenn, non league would be to harsh. Dont fotget that for example Chonburi beat Melbourne Victory at home by 3:1 and drew 1:1 in Japan vs Gamba Osaka. And I think fairly you can rate the J-League as one of the tops in Asia. As I am from Germany I would say that an average TPL team would be able to compete in the 3rd or 4th tier in Germany. WHich means that I rate Chonburi and MTU mauch higher of course.

The point is the physical strengths and tactic skills. I think it the end it would make the different. If you play like Thai Port did yesterday, you might win nothing. Over all there is no doubt about the technical skills of the Thai lads.  

Just to touch on this, it is hard to compare the leagues and what level a Thai team could play at in Europe or England.

The styles are completely different. The makeup of the game is different.

When I started watching Thai football back in 2006, the games were slow paced. Lots of slow build ups. If that was the case now, then they would get kicked in the air at any English level.

No doubt Thai teams could give teams from other nations a game, but all to often we have seen great victories and some very embaressing losses, notably from Krung Thai Bank in 2008 ACL.

[charade_2010]

I found the clip :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K99BBTu8Ldk

Nice goal , Datsakorn ! Now I hope other fans of Chonburi , Thai Port ... also cheer MTU in semi-finals . All about for Thai football . 

[wolfman]

Have watched that video of the penalty, and can only think DIVE. Especially when you look at how Christian rode the first challenge outside the area. The way he celebrates the awarding of the penalty also suggests he was trying to get one. It disgusts me when players celebrate when they get a penalty, rather than being disappointed they didn't go on and score. I love it when penalties get saved after that. It happened in the NZ v Bahrain World Cup playoff last year. Bahrain celebrated their penalty like they'd won the game, then their player scuffed his shot straight to the keeper. Beautiful.

On another note, while Datsakorn has rightly been applauded for his goal, what about the pass by Natapon to set it up? A one-touch half-volleyed backheel laid off along the ground by a centre-half! (not usually noted as the most skilful position on the park). That touch was brilliant.

[the_englishman]

Have watched that video of the penalty, and can only think DIVE. Especially when you look at how Christian rode the first challenge outside the area. The way he celebrates the awarding of the penalty also suggests he was trying to get one. It disgusts me when players celebrate when they get a penalty, rather than being disappointed they didn't go on and score. I love it when penalties get saved after that.

I'm at work so I can't see the clip but I agree that players should not celebrate penalties. Chris does seem to look for the penalty a lot and I hope in close season coaches will teach him to be a bit more aggressive and try to score in open play.   However as mentioned a few times, Chris had a strong claim for a penalty that happened directly in my line of sight and the ref didn't even stop to think about it. It's almost as if he'd decided "One penalty and no more". So in a way it did even out.

[Félix]

Christian is still young so forgive him! :p
He is very kind anyway when i met him, i went to see MTU againt Air Force at Yamaha Stadium and he gave me his shirt after 2 goals. Against Samut Prakan, he sat with me and we chat together with Dagno and their girlfirends.
I was also on MTU website!


I am on his right

[the_englishman]

MTU 4 Saraburi 1

Lots of goals, a couple of howlers a red carded goalie (Kawin), a striker in goal and a curious tale.

All to come in my report tomorrow.

[the_englishman]

Army game switched to 1630 kick off. No idea why.

[lokomotive]

Army game switched to 1630 kick off. No idea why.

Maybe to avoid that the AFC insepctors attending the match as scheduled

[the_englishman]

Army game switched to 1630 kick off. No idea why.

Maybe to avoid that the AFC insepctors attending the match as scheduled

You cheeky monkey! Our stadium has been AFC standard since 2010 season's kick off!

[lokomotive]

Army game switched to 1630 kick off. No idea why.

Maybe to avoid that the AFC insepctors attending the match as scheduled

You cheeky monkey! Our stadium has been AFC standard since 2010 season's kick off!

Even it is, all are clubs are on the visiting schedule. The inspection of MTU was scheduled for the afternoon, and watching the match after that. So maybe they have to skip it now. I am not sure but if I remember correctly a PEA match was on their schedule too.

[BKK73]

Army game switched to 1630 kick off. No idea why.

The official site has the kick off time as 5pm now.

Has the kick off time really been switched because of a lacrosse friendly game???

[lokomotive]

KO 17:00, yes.

[the_englishman]

Army game switched to 1630 kick off. No idea why.

The official site has the kick off time as 5pm now.

Has the kick off time really been switched because of a lacrosse friendly game???

Yes!

[the_englishman]

Thong Vs Army rained off. The club hope to re-schedule sometime next week.

[the_englishman]

Meet the n-zone crowd:
http://muangthongunitedfc.blogspot.com/2010/10/meet-n-zone-army.html

[BangkokGlassBunny]

Half time 1-0 & so far, so good for Muang Thong who have dominated from the start but they really should have at least 3 goals. I hope they are not made to pay for it..

More of the same should do nicely.

[wolfman]

Fulltime 1-0 MTU.

They'll be pleased with a win, and very pleased with a clean sheet. They should be disappointed that they're not taking a bigger lead to Syria, especially after that 1st half. I felt they sat back far too much in the second, and let Al Ittihad get back into it. From what I saw, Al Ittihad didn't have much up front, as most of Kawin's saves were from long range shots, and he had one or two awkward moments due to the conditions. However, back home, one suspects Al Ittihad will be a different proposition.   

[druryfire]

Hmm, only winning 1-0 is always hard. But, MTU have shown us, they can keep clean sheets. Al Ittihad away will be tough. I watched them last year in practially a title decider against Al Karamah and they never gave anything up, winning the game in the last minute.

Now, in MTU's favour is the fact that the Syrian league hasn't started yet. Will Ittihad be fresh going into this? Will MTU be tired?

I do personally expect Ittihad will get a goal at home, but i'm sure if MTU can sneak one early doors, that it will kill the game off.

On a second note, Al Riffa defeated Qadsia 2:0 today.

[BKK73]

Fulltime 1-0 MTU.

They'll be pleased with a win, and very pleased with a clean sheet. They should be disappointed that they're not taking a bigger lead to Syria, especially after that 1st half. I felt they sat back far too much in the second, and let Al Ittihad get back into it. From what I saw, Al Ittihad didn't have much up front, as most of Kawin's saves were from long range shots, and he had one or two awkward moments due to the conditions. However, back home, one suspects Al Ittihad will be a different proposition.   

I agree MTU dominated the first half and should have been 3 up. Al Ittihad didn't really offer much throughout the game but you could quite clearly see that they weren't used to playing on a wet pitch. Over in Syria it will be a totally different ball game. I hope that Muangthong's 1-0 lead is enough.

[BKK73]

I saw on Thaileagueonine that MTU were fined 10,000 Baht for the misbehavior of their fans. It's written in Thai so can anyone give me more info please.

[the_englishman]

I saw on Thaileagueonine that MTU were fined 10,000 Baht for the misbehavior of their fans. It's written in Thai so can anyone give me more info please.

I didn't see the article but I guess it's due to **one single fan** who ran on to the pitch and yelled at the linesman when he disallowed a goal against Army FC.

Today: BEC Tero 0 MTU 1
Report to come if I find time during my holiday.

[wolfman]

Just had a look - as t_e said, it's for a couple of incidents at the Army game on Friday. 5,000 for the guy who ran on to the pitch, and 5,000 for throwing things at the ref. I was there with t_e, and saw the first incident, but not the 2nd - perhaps it happened as the ref left the pitch.

At Yamaha, the officials have to momentarily enter the stand as they walk off, so the potential is there.

[Vinnie]

Just had a look - as t_e said, it's for a couple of incidents at the Army game on Friday. 5,000 for the guy who ran on to the pitch, and 5,000 for throwing things at the ref. I was there with t_e, and saw the first incident, but not the 2nd - perhaps it happened as the ref left the pitch.

At Yamaha, the officials have to momentarily enter the stand as they walk off, so the potential is there.

Bizarre behaviour considering they're going to be champions again.

[SriRachaShark]

Just had a look - as t_e said, it's for a couple of incidents at the Army game on Friday. 5,000 for the guy who ran on to the pitch, and 5,000 for throwing things at the ref. I was there with t_e, and saw the first incident, but not the 2nd - perhaps it happened as the ref left the pitch.

At Yamaha, the officials have to momentarily enter the stand as they walk off, so the potential is there.

Bizarre behaviour considering they're going to be champions again.

Some of their fans are obviously sore winners.