JAKARTA -- Law and Sports Observer Eko Noer Kristiyanto said the Indonesian national team should be able to take advantage of the first leg of the 2020 AFF Cup final against Thailand, Wednesday (29/12). Thailand is confirmed without their two pillar players in the first leg later.

Thailand lost left back Theerathon Bunmathan due to accumulation of yellow cards. In addition, Thailand also certainly cannot be strengthened by the main goalkeeper, Chatchai Butprom, who is injured. Chatchai injured his left knee ligament against Vietnam.

"Indonesia must take advantage of this," said Eko when contacted, Tuesday (28/12).

However, he reminded the Garuda squad to always maintain their focus during the match. Don't make mistakes, let alone open up opportunities for Thailand to pose a threat to Indonesia's goal.

According to him, Asnawi Mangkualam et al must play calmly. "Indonesia is playing normally, it just needs to be extra careful, don't make unnecessary mistakes and optimize the slightest opportunity," he said.

He admitted that Indonesia could indeed win some big wins since the group stage. So far, the Garuda squad has been recorded as the most aggressive and productive with a total of 18 goals against the opponent. But, said Eko, Thailand is a different team from previous Indonesian opponents.

"Remember, Thailand is the one who got rid of Vietnam, the opponent who dictated to Indonesia in the group stage," he said.

On the other hand, it is also certain that Indonesia will not be strengthened by Primary Arhan because of card accumulation. Arhan got two yellow cards in the two legs of the AFF Cup semi-final against Singapore, thus making the PSIS Semarang defender have to miss one match. "My prediction is a draw," he said.

The Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong admitted that he did not see this as something that would benefit his team.

"Psychologically Thailand is not good because the left-back and goalkeeper are not playing," Shin said at a press conference ahead of the match, Tuesday (28/12).

Theeraton is sidelined due to card accumulation and Chatchai has an ACL injury. However, from the Indonesian national team, Shin Taeyong admitted that the team lost Primary Arhan due to card accumulation.

"So is Arhan who can't play because of the accumulation of yellow cards," said Shin.

According to him, the position of both teams lost players. For that, he does not see the advantage in the absence of two Thai players.

"We're both not in a position to give the game we want," said Shin.

The South Korean coach admits there are many things that make this plan not as desired. So the team needs several strategies so that the team gives the best.

"Indeed, a lot of things happened in this tournament and in the final we had to cover it up. So it's not a problem for either Indonesia or Thailand," said Shin.

Indonesian football observer Akmal Marhali said Shin Tae-yong's squad had a style of play that Thailand didn't like.

"For Indonesia, this is an opportunity to win the title. Even though statistically Thailand is superior, Thailand is afraid of Indonesia's high-pressing style of play and relies on player speed," Akmal said when contacted, Tuesday (28/12).

According to him, Indonesia should be able to play with its own game character without being influenced by Thailand's playing style. He considered, the meeting of the two teams is a classic duel with a special note throughout the course of the AFF Cup this time.

Thailand is listed as the team with the strongest defense. Thailand conceded only one goal in a 2-1 win against the Philippines, and scored a total of 12 goals. Meanwhile, Indonesia became the most productive team with a total of 18 goals scored and seven goals conceded.