BANGKOK (23 Dec 2008) – Three-time winners Thailand take on Vietnam, who are looking for their first title, in the AFF Suzuki Cup final on 24 December in Bangkok with the second leg being played four days later in Hanoi.

Both teams are packed full of talented players and www.affsuzukicup.com has picked out a few to keep your eye on.

THAILAND

Datsakorn Thonglao is well known to the Vietnam players and fans as he plays for Hoang Anh Gia Lai in the V-League. The midfield maestro has been the player of the tournament so far with his intuitive passing, darting runs, tigerish tackling and free-kick artistry. If given space in midfield, he has the ability to run the show in both legs.

If fit, Sutee Suksomkit is a potential match-winner for Thailand. The Singapore-based left-sided player has the ability to get to the byline and put over telling crosses and takes most of the corners and free-kicks on the right side of the park. He missed the semi-final, second leg against Indonesia with a hamstring injury.

Right-sided defender Suree Sukha is steady at the back and electrifying on his frequent overlapping runs down the wing. One of three Thai players involved in the ill-fated move to Manchester City last year, Suree has talent to spare and has readjusted well to football in Thailand.

Suree Sukha’s twin brother Surat has been one of the finds of the AFF Suzuki Cup. Introduced into the national team by new coach Peter Reid, Surat plays the enforcer role in midfield allowing Datsakorn Thonglao more freedom to roam. A strong tackler and good reader of the game, the Chonburi midfielder is destined for a bright future in the national team.

Striker Teerathep ‘Leesaw’ Winothai has a happy knack of scoring vital goals for the national team. The poster boy of Thai football, Teerathep went four games without a goal before hammering home the priceless equaliser against Indonesia in the second leg of the semi-final. Teerathep has good positional sense and ball control but sometimes lacks authority with the goal at his mercy. But more often than not he is a lucky charm for the team.

VIETNAM

Striker Le Cong Vinh is the superstar of the national team. He has speed to burn, as the Singapore defenders found to their cost in the build up to Vietnam’s winner in the semi-final second leg, and is a good finisher. Although he is yet to find the net in the AFF Suzuki Cup, Thailand know that they cannot give the predator a sniff at goal. He cemented his celebrity in Vietnam by recently signing for Hanoi T&T in a record transfer deal of USD500,000.

Vietnam goalkeeper Duong Hong Son had an impressive game against Singapore in the away leg of the semi-final and his shot-stopping ability is without question. But the ‘keeper, who was not first choice coming into the AFF Suzuki Cup, does not look as comfortable under the high ball and his slip gifted Thailand their second goal in the group encounter in Phuket. He is sure to see a lot of action in the final.

Young midfielder Nguyen Vu Phong has impressed during the AFF Suzuki Cup with his industry and vision. He has an eye for goal having scored five times for Vietnam in the Beijing Olympic qualifiers. He was the hero in the victory over Malaysia in the group stage with two goals in the 3-2 victory, the second struck from well inside his own half. The ball bounced high over the head of the Malaysian keeper as he came out of his goal and flew into the net.

Phan Van Tai Em is the workhorse of the Vietnam midfield. A tireless runner and strong tackler, the 26 year old starred in the 0-0 semi-final draw with Singapore in Hanoi. The 2005 Player of the Year in the V.League is sure to play a key role in the final against Thailand.

Striker Nguyen Viet Thang may be sacrificed for a midfield player in the first leg of the final but will likely play a big role in Hanoi. The Dong Tam – Long An front man scored the nerve-settling first goal in the 4-0 win over Laos and posed the Singapore defence all sorts of problems in the first leg of the semi in Hanoi.