Thailand struck a huge blow to Vietnam’s title hopes with a decisive 2-0 win in the first leg of their 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final on Thursday where several of their stars shone brightly.

Naturally, that weighs heavily in our list of nominations for the Player of the Match but Vietnam too had their moments and that’s also reflected in the choices below.

Make sure to vote and have your say as to who should be crowned the Player of the Match from the entertaining semi-final clash.

Chanathip Songkrasin (Thailand)

After a relatively quiet time of things in the group stage, the Thai talisman stepped up when it mattered most as he put on a masterclass in unpicking the stingiest defence at the tournament.

As well as showcasing some flicks and tricks midway through the second half, he scored twice in the opening 45 minutes, the second being a goal of the tournament contender, and was a constant threat with his dribbling and passing with his only blemish being a late penalty miss.   

Nguyen Quang Hai (Vietnam)

As impressive as Chanathip was for Thailand as their creative fulcrum so too was Quang Hai for Vietnam.

Firstly the post and then the bar were all that stood between the left-footed wizard dragging the Golden Star Warriors back into the contest in a game in which he matched the same number of shots that the entire Thai side had. 

Theerathon Bunmathan (Thailand)

All four members of the Thai backline were immense again both in the their defensive and attacking work and this nomination could have gone to multiple players but we’ve opted for Theerathon who once again sparkled.

Now a complete modern-day full-back who is just as comfortable in tight central spaces as he is out wide, the 31-year-old had more recoveries than any other player as well as more final third and penalty box entries.