The two eye-catching group scores are poor guides to this final. Indonesia chased goal difference against Bangladesh, while Thailand had already reached the final and changed much of its side against the Philippines. Thailand's regulars are set to return after that rest. I expect their midfield and runs beyond the defense to make this a far tighter contest than those scores suggest.
Indonesia's wide players repeatedly found Mitchell Baker against Bangladesh, and the pressure also brought goals from loose balls and a corner. But Bangladesh still scored twice. Against Malaysia, Indonesia had to reorganize after Thom Haye's dismissal and spent long stretches defending, so neither match gives a simple picture of how it will handle Thailand.
Thailand's win over Vietnam offers a better look at its core side. Sarach Yooyen scored after a cleared cross, and later substitutes combined for another goal while Vietnam searched for an equalizer. Anthony Hudson rested several regulars in the Philippines match and has said the group is refreshed. Indonesia has the Jakarta crowd; Thailand brings back the players who earned its place in the final.
