The final ball has been kicked and it is Thailand who have emerged triumphant after being crowned champions of the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup.

Given they were widely regarded as favourites before the tournament began, it should come as no surprise that they have reclaimed their status as the number one side in Southeast Asia for the first time since 2002.

Over the past month, several members of the War Elephants established themselves as national heroes following their pivotal roles in bringing a fourth regional crown back to Thailand, including the likes of Kawin Thamsatchanan, Chanathip Songkrasin and Charyl Chappuis.

However, a number of players from Malaysia can also hold their heads high after leading their side to an impressive – and what many assumed was impossible – run to the final, while Philippines and Vietnam also gave a good account of themselves before ultimately falling at the semi-final stage.

Here, Football SEA picks our best players from the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup in a 4-2-3-1 formation, including seven substitutes, as well as our top coach from the tournament.

GK: Kawin Thamsatchanan (Thailand)

He may not have been the busiest of goalkeepers given the Thais dominated almost all their matches, but – whenever he was called upon – Kawin proved to be equal to the task.

The Muangthong United man’s finest game was arguably the 0-0 draw against Philippines in the first leg of the semi-finals, when he refused to be beaten even after his side were reduced to ten men following Adisak Kraisorn’s dismissal.

Kawin got better as the tournament wore on and kept a vital clean sheet in the first leg of the final after producing fine stops to deny Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and Indra Putra Mahayuddin, which went a long way in helping the Thais claim the title.

RB: Simone Rota (Philippines)

If there were doubts over who Philippines’ first-choice right-back was ahead of the tournaments, there should no longer be any after Rota’s determined displays throughout the tournament.

The 30-year-old’s campaign got off to a fine start when he opened the Azkals’ account with a well-taken equaliser in the 4-1 Group A win over Laos, which helped settle their nerves after Khampheng Sayavutthi had fired their opponents in front.

Rota came face to face with some of the region’s most-dangerous wingers, including Zulham Zamrun and Kroekrit Thaweekarn, but never lowered his colours apart from one testing encounter against Vietnam’s Pham Thanh Luong during the group stage.

CB: Shukor Adan (Malaysia)

Alas, it was not to be for the 35-year-old as he failed to finish off his international career with a Suzuki Cup winner’s medal.

But Shukor will have no shame in the manner in which he signed off on his 14 years with Malaysia, especially given how many questioned his selection in the squad before the start of the tournament.

Handed the captain’s armband by Harimau Malaya coach Dollah Salleh, Shukor relished the challenge of leading his troops and at times looked to be the only one holding the shaky backline together, and was arguably his side’s best player throughout.

CB: Tanaboon Kesarat (Thailand)

With Thailand boss Kiatisuk Senamuang opting to leave out experienced defenders like Panupong Wongsa, Chonlatit Jantakam and Nataporn Phanrit, many wondered how the backline would hold up against the region’s deadliest strikers.

To be fair, it was in defence where the War Elephants looked the most vulnerable at times but they ultimately got the job done, and Tanaboon deserves plenty of credit for the way he stepped up despite his tender years.

Blessed with an ability to read the play, strong physical attributes as well as good technique, the future looks extremely bright for the 21-year-old, who also showed in the 2-0 Group B victory over Myanmar that he’s more than capable of being deployed in midfield.

LB: Peerapat Notechaiya (Thailand)

Peerapat started the tournament as Kiatisuk’s first-choice left-back in the 2-1 win over Singapore, although a niggling injury then saw him replaced by veteran Chayapat Kitpongsritada in the next two games.

But once he regained full fitness, the BEC Tero Sasana starlet was straight back into the team and displayed remarkable maturity for a 21-year-old, as well as impressing with his tireless running down the flank.

Thailand may currently be blessed with a host of talented left-backs, including 2013 Thai Premier League Player of the Year Theerathon Bunmathan, but Peerapat could just make the position his own if he continues to develop and realise his full potential.

CM: Sarach Yooyen (Thailand)

Given the number of famous names in the Thailand side, it was perhaps easy to overlook a pint-sized defensive midfielder by the name of Sarach Yooyen, although those who did notice him would be aware of just how important he was to the team.

Despite his slight frame, the Muangthong youngster had plenty of bite in his challenges as he looked to shield his defenders, but it was the way he broke up opposition attacks with his understanding of the game that made him stand out as an anchorman.

Once he had won possession, he was always looking to get his team on the front foot with his precise distribution, and he was also never afraid to have a go himself; his blistering freekick in the second leg of the final that forced Farizal Marlias into a flying save eventually led to Chappuis’ pivotal strike.

CM: Safiq Rahim (Malaysia)

It can be argued that Safiq still did not display his true ability despite finishing the tournament as the top scorer with six goals, and playing as a traditional central midfielder no less.

Given his obvious talent, the Johor Darul Ta’zim playmaker did not always get into the game and lacked the urgency in several key moments when his side needed it badly.

But for sheer impact and ability to keep his nerve in the biggest moments, Safiq gets the nod after his four clinically-taken penalties, along with a fine individual effort and a sublime freekick, helped Harimau Malaya get as close to winning the title as they did.

RW: Amri Yahyah (Malaysia)

Along with Shukor, Amri was perhaps the one Malaysian player that emerged from the tournament with plenty of credit to his name.

His selflessness and versatility have always been known to fans given how he’s often been deployed as a winger rather than his favoured position as a striker, but the way he – at times – looked to singlehandedly drag his side over the line was nothing short of inspirational.

Amri may have finished the tournament with only one goal to his name but much of the good work he produced was done in the build-up, and he did almost provide the goal of the tournament in the 3-2 Group B loss to Thailand after his stunning 60-yard lob over Kawin came crashing back off the bar.

AM: Phil Younghusband (Philippines)

For the third tournament in a row, the Azkals progressed to the last four to reaffirm their status as one of Southeast Asia’s major forces.

Despite having got among the goals in 2010 and 2012, Younghusband unfairly entered the tournament with queries from some quarters over his big-game mentality, despite being Philippines’ all-time top scorer at the age of 27.

By the time his side had played their opening two matches, those doubts had been emphatically dispelled with two goals and three assists to his name and although he failed to add to that tally thereafter, he often loomed as his side’s likeliest source of something special and seemed to excel playing as a second striker.

LW: Chanathip Songkrasin (Thailand)

Granted, it was Kroekrit Thaweekarn, and not Chanathip, that was Thailand’s first-choice left winger throughout the tournament but given the way the latter freely roamed the pitch, is it really possible to pinpoint a fixed position where he was deployed in?

One thing is for certain – whenever he received the ball in the attacking third, he was almost always unstoppable with his phenomenal control, sublime dribbling and blistering pace.

Nonetheless, he also bucked the trend of most silky attackers by regularly looking for his team-mates rather than go it on his own, and was deservedly named the Most Valuable Player of the competition.

ST: Le Cong Vinh (Vietnam)

Before the start of the tournament, there were rumours that coach Toshiya Miura was considering leaving Cong Vinh out of his final 22 and, following a couple of quiet years at club level, it was certainly fair to ponder if we had seen the best of the one-time golden boy of Vietnam.

While his campaign may have begun on the bench, it took him just 13 minutes to make an impact after coming on as a second-half substitute in the 2-2 draw against Indonesia; latching onto a weak clearance header and sending a spectacular first-time volley into the top corner.

Cong Vinh went on to finish the campaign with four goals to his name, including a well-taken brace in the 4-2 loss to Malaysia in the second leg of the semi-finals, and was the most-impressive spearhead in a tournament that really lacked genuine quality from the out-and-out strikers.

Coach: Kiatisuk Senamuang (Thailand)

A gold medal at last year’s Southeast Asian Games and a remarkable fourth-place finish at this year’s Asian Games – was there anything left for Kiatisuk to achieve?

The answer was a resounding yes as the legendary former Thailand striker became the first person to win the Suzuki Cup both as a player and coach, gaining a new legion of fans across the region in the process for his cool demeanour on the touchline, as well as the way he always conducted himself with immense class.

Kiatisuk’s reputation has now been further enhanced by the fact that he is the man that ended the War Elephants’ 12-year wait to reclaim the AFF crown, which was made even more impressive by the fact that the average age of his squad was just 24.

The future is bright for Thailand, and the future is certainly bright for Kiatisuk.

Substitutes

GK: Hassan Sunny (Singapore)

Hassan ultimately did not get much of a chance to prove his worth given Singapore’s disappointing group-stage exit, although he was one of the Lions’ best performers and continues to rival Kawin as the region’s number one goalkeeper.

FB: Zulkifli Syukur (Indonesia)

One of just two Indonesia players to start all three Group A games, Zulkifli – at times – looked like the only player in the side with a remote idea of how to defend, and deserves credit for the way he regularly covered Achmad Jufriyanto and Muhammad Roby.

CB: Le Phuoc Tu (Vietnam)

At 30, Phuoc Tu was the oldest player in the Vietnam side along with Le Tan Tai but more than held his own against younger, faster and fitter opponents, only to be ultimately let down by some shambolic defending from Dinh Tien Thanh, Nguyen Van Bien and goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh in the 4-2 semi-final second-leg loss to the Malaysians.

CM: Charyl Chappuis (Thailand)

The new poster boy of Thai football – Chappuis certainly proved he is capable of delivering the goods after grabbing four goals, although he still has room for improvement given the way he went quiet for significant periods in a couple of matches, as well as his tendency to go for the killer pass too often.

WG: Vu Minh Tuan (Vietnam)

While many expected Nguyen Van Quyet to be Vietnam’s brightest spark before the tournament began, he failed to really fire and instead it was Minh Tuan who proved to be a real threat down the right with his enterprising runs and direct style of play that really caused problems for his opponents, especially against Laos and Philippines.

FW: Indra Putra Mahayuddin (Malaysia)

Although the veteran did not start any of Malaysia’s first four matches, he had such an impact coming off the bench that it was impossible for Dollah to leave him out thereafter, and he went on to become Harimau Malaya’s most-creative outlet in the attacking third in their charge to a runners-up finish.

ST: Khairul Amri (Singapore)

Like Cong Vinh, Amri was one of the few out-and-out strikers that managed to put in a series of consistent displays, even though he only had three games to showcase his abilities. His dominant display as a target-man in Singapore’s 2-1 opening day defeat to Thailand set the standard, and he always gave opposition defenders something to think about.

The 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup is only a day away and Football SEA picks out eight established stars who would just prove the difference in their teams’ bid for regional glory.

Kiatisuk Senamuang, Bambang Pamungkas, Lionel Lewis and Safee Sali – this are just some of the names that were etched in Southeast Asian football folklore following outstanding displays in past editions of the region’s premier international tournament.

Two years ago, Teerasil Dangda produced proved unstoppable in attack as he finished as the competition’s top scorer with six goals, although the likes of Shahril Ishak and Khairul Amri ultimately earned the bigger prize after inspiring Singapore to a fourth crown.

The region’s best will once again congregate over the next month as the group stage takes place in Vietnam and Singapore, and here, we cast our eye on eight players who could have a huge say on where the Suzuki Cup ends up come December 20.

Indonesia: Achmad Jufriyanto, 27 – Defender (Persib Bandung)

The 2012 Suzuki Cup was a tournament for Indonesia to forget as they were booted out at the group stage, and a key factor in their demise was some uninspiring displays at the back by Wahyu Wijiastanto, Handi Ramdhan and Fachruddin Aryanto.

Although a ball has yet to be kicked, it is likely Garuda will not have the same problem this time around as coach Alfred Riedl has settled on a much steadier backline.

While Achmad Jufriyanto may not be the most-experienced player at international level with just ten caps to his name, he is rapidly establishing himself as a tough centre-back who reads the game well, and is coming off the back of a successful Indonesia Super League-winning season with Persib Bandung.

Laos: Soukaphone Vongchiengkham, 22 – Forward (Saraburi)

Laos showed they could cause the big guns a few problems back in last month’s qualifiers, when they played some brilliant football before ultimately being pipped to top spot by Myanmar after a final day 2-1 loss.

Although the likes of Khampheng Sayavutthi and Ketsada Souksavanh played important roles, Thim Xad’s star man was undoubtedly Soukaphone Vongchiengkham – who proved an unstoppable force in the attacking third.

Apart from being blessed with blistering speed and excellent technique, the 22-year-old also knows when to release the ball and when to go it on his own, and is capable of tearing apart defences with his skill and vision.

Malaysia: Shukor Adan, 35 – Defender (FELDA United)

Plenty of talk has surrounded Malaysia coach Dollah Salleh’s decision to plump for experience this Suzuki Cup, with many questioning if the likes of Shukor Adan and Indra Putra Mahayuddin can still cut it at the highest level.

To be fair, they have both had excellent years in the Malaysia Premier League with FELDA United and Shukor’s inclusion could turn out to be a masterstroke by the Harimau Malaya boss.

With Aidil Zafuan ruled out through injury, neither Muslim Ahmad nor Fadhli Shas have impressed in recent friendlies and the experienced Shukor could just be the answer to Malaysia’s centre-back problems with his experience and robust defending.

Myanmar: Kyaw Ko Ko, 21 – Forward (Yangon United)

Two years ago, the one Myanmar player that was the name on everyone’s lips was Kyi Lin, who showed glimpses of breath-taking talent despite his side missing out on the semi-finals.

However, he has had a wretched run with injuries since but his absence has not been felt as much by the White Angels largely due to a 21-year-old named Kyaw Ko Ko.

The Yangon United man proved his ability to perform on the big stage this year after six goals in the AFC Cup, and he is likely to be Myanmar’s focal point in attack for the next decade or so.

Philippines: Phil Younghusband, 27 – Forward (Loyola Meralco Sparks)

Still only 27, Phil Younghusband is already the all-time top scorer for Philippines with a phenomenal record of 40 goals in 66 caps since making his debut in 2006.

In recent times, the Loyola Meralco Sparks man has played in a variety of attacking roles but many still believe he does his best work when deployed as an out-and-out striker due to his clinical finishing and uncanny ability of making his way into the right positions.

Younghusband may only have netted twice in previous editions of the Suzuki Cup but they both came in crucial victories over Vietnam and Myanmar in 2010 and 2012 respectively, and Philippines fans will be hoping he emerges as the man of the moment once again this year.

Singapore: Hassan Sunny, 30 – Goalkeeper (Warriors FC)

It’s perhaps strange that we have plumped for a goalkeeper given Singapore boast plenty of seasoned campaigners in Amri, Shahril and Baihakki Khaizan, but make no mistake – the Lions’ fortunes at the Suzuki Cup will be heavily influenced by Hassan Sunny.

Winning the S.League title with Warriors this season and becoming the first custodian to win the competition’s Player of the Year award only served to emphasise how the 30-year-old is now Southeast Asia’s best goalkeeper.

And with the Lions defence looking shaky in recent friendlies, Hassan’s ability to singlehandedly keep opposition forwards at bay will be vital to his side’s chances.

Thailand: Chanathip Songkrasin, 21 – Midfielder (BEC Tero Sasana)

Missing famous names like Teerasil, Datsakorn Thonglao, Theerathon Bunmathan and Jakkapan Pornsai, it would have been easy to write off Thailand’s title prospects, yet the fact they are widely regarded as favourites is testament to the talent at Kiatisuk’s disposal.

A large crop of his 22-man squad were members of the gold-medal winning side at last year’s Southeast Asian Games and the team that finished fourth at the 17th Asian Games, but the one man that is looming as their most influential player is Chanathip Songkrasin.

With terrific dribbling ability, visionary passing and a good shot, the pint-sized attacking midfielder has a wide array of weapons to hurt opponents and he is also no stranger to the senior stage, having played for the Thais at the last Suzuki Cup.

Vietnam: Nguyen Van Quyet, 23 – Forward (Ha Noi T&T)

For too long, Vietnam have regularly turned to golden boy Le Cong Vinh as the answer to any attacking woes and even recently, plenty of attentions has been given to 22-year-old Mac Hong Quan, who was born and bred in the Czech Republic and was formerly on the books of Sparta Prague.

The one man that has quietly slipped under the radar has been Nguyen Van Quyet but those who have monitored his progress in the V.League 1, as well as this season’s AFC Cup, will be aware of the threat he can pose.

While he usually starts in a wide attacking position, Van Quyet’s tireless running and clever off-the-ball movement inevitably sees him take up dangerous positions in the box, where he is equally capable of delivering a killer pass or pulling the trigger himself.

Other key players to look out for: Firman Utina (Indonesia), Khampheng Sayavutthi (Laos), Amri Yahyah (Malaysia), Yan Aung Kyaw (Myanmar), Rob Gier (Philippines), Shahril Ishak (Singapore), Kawin Thamsatchanan (Thailand), Le Tan Tai (Vietnam)

Ahead of the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup, Football SEA takes a look at eight players under the age of 23 that could just use the tournament as a platform for bigger and better things.

Every two years, the best of Southeast Asia congregate and do battle to be crowned champions of the region.

In a tournament like this which captures the imagination, a performance over 90 minutes can sometimes be the difference between enhancing and destroying one’s reputation.

The Suzuki Cup has been graced by legends and cult figures such as Kiatisuk Senamuang, Noh Alam Shah, Le Cong Vinh and Safiq Rahim, who were all established players before bolstering their credentials with some outstanding displays on Southeast Asia’s biggest stage.

But ever so often, the tournament also provides a glimpse into the future as young starlets display their worth before going on to achieve greater things.

Here, we look at eight hot prospects that could just cause a stir in Singapore and Vietnam over the next month.

Indonesia: Manahati Lestusen, 20 – Midfielder (Persebaya Surabaya)

At the age of 20, Manahati Lestusen has already played in Europe for Belgian outfit Vise, been capped by his national team and was part of the Under-23 side that won the silver medal at last year’s Southeast Asian Games.

Despite his tender years, the defensive midfielder displays maturity beyond his years and was a regular for Persebaya Surabaya this season, as they reached the second phase of the Indonesia Super League before missing out on the semi-finals.

His versatility also means he is capable of playing a role in several areas of the field, but given his work ethic, robust style of play and tidy distribution, it would seem that his best work will come in the engine room.

Laos: Khonesavanh Sihavong, 20 – Winger (Lao Police Club)

Despite the strides they have made in recent years, Laos are yet to take the next step in matching it with the region’s big guns largely due to tactical and temperamental deficiencies that have been a longstanding issue.

However, they have had no problems in producing players blessed with speed and remarkable technical ability and it appears they have unearthed another raw diamond in Lao Police winger Khonesavanh Sihavong.

The 20-year-old, who netted against Malaysia at the last Suzuki Cup, has developed from a talented prospect to an important member of David Booth’s side and caused real problems for the opposition defence at last month’s qualifiers.

Malaysia: Gary Robbat, 22 – Midfielder (Harimau Muda A)

It’s been three years since he made his international debut and he was even singled out for praise by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger a couple of years back, so it is sometimes hard to remember that Malaysia midfielder Gary Robbat is still only 22.

But far from being your run-of-the-mill midfield destroyer, the Harimau Muda A is equally when his side are looking to attack and has shown a natural talent for dictating the tempo of the game.

Harimau Malaya boss Dollah Salleh may have opted to go for experience in the tournament, but he will not have to look much further than Robbat when that extra bit of youthful exuberance and fearlessness is required.

Myanmar: Zaw Min Tun, 22 – Defender (Yadanarbon)

Growing up in the small town of Thazi near Mandalay, Zaw Min Tun dreamt of becoming a doctor but was expected to join his family’s farming business.

Still, football proved to be the 22-year-old’s true calling and since going down this path, he has captained Myanmar in a FIFA World Cup qualifier and is also the current holder of his country’s record transfer fee after joining Yadanarbon from Magway.

For a side that have often had their attacking talents negated by some dreadful play at the back, Zaw Min Tun’s strength and composure in the heart of defence could just prove to be the foundation for a promising future.

Philippines: Daisuke Sato, 20 – Wing-back (Global)

Before he was announced as one of Global’s new signings for the upcoming United Football League season back in March, few would have heard of Daisuke Sato.

Barely eight months on, the Philippine-Japanese wideman is a UFL champion and was part of the Azkals side that narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup after finishing second in the AFC Challenge Cup earlier this year.

Possessing bundles of energy and a sweet left foot, Sato is set to be Philippines’ first-choice left-back for the Suzuki Cup and the battle for that spot between him and Jeffrey Christiaens could prove to be an enthralling duel in the years to come.

Singapore: Faris Ramli, 22 – Winger (LIONSXII)

The number 17 jersey is something of a revered shirt in Singaporean football having been worn by the legendary Fandi Ahmad, while its current owner – Shahril Ishak – has arguably been the nation’s best player over the past decade.

So it does mean something when Faris Ramli was handed the number at LIONSXII following Shahril’s departure to Johor Darul Ta’zim II at the start of the season, although the fleet-footed winger has all the attributes to follow in his national skipper’s footsteps.

With his pace, trickery and control, the ex-Courts Young Lions man never needs a second invitation to run at defenders and – with the right development – could become one of a rare breed of players who can win a game off their own boot.

Thailand: Adisak Kraisorn, 23 – Striker (BEC Tero Sasana)

When the Thailand Under-23 side created waves by finishing fourth at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon earlier this year, Adisak Kraisorn was one of their stars as he plundered five goals in a display of ruthless finishing – netting only one less than top scorer Ferdinand Sinaga.

Strangely, the 23-year-old was rarely given an extended run in the Buriram United starting XI despite netting twice in the AFC Champions League this season against Shandong Luneng Taishan and Pohang Steelers.

Nonetheless, one man that does appreciate his talents is War Elephants boss Kiatisuk Senamuang, who is set to deploy the powerfully-built striker as the focal point of his attack, and Adisak will be hoping for a strong showing at the Suzuki Cup to use as a platform ahead of a new chapter in his career in 2015 having signed for BEC Tero Sasana.

Vietnam: Dinh Tien Thanh, 23 – Defender (Hai Phong)

For all their talent in the attacking third, one of the main reasons why Vietnam had an ill-fated campaign at the 2012 Suzuki Cup was due to severe deficiencies at the back.

Since taking over back in May, Vietnam coach Toshiya Miura has embarked on an extensive search to inject new talent into the side and he appears to have found a solution to their centre-back woes in Dinh Tien Thanh.

Strong in the air and comfortable with the ball at his feet, the Hai Phong man has all the hallmarks of a top-class centre-back and would do well to boost his credentials by nullifying the threat of Southeast Asia’s most-dangerous marksmen.

Others young guns to look out for: Evan Dimas (Midfielder, Indonesia), Ketsada Souksavanh (Defender, Laos), Zubir Azmi (Defender, Malaysia), Nanda Lin Kyaw Chit (Forward, Myanmar), Mark Hartmann (Forward, Philippines), Sahil Suhaimi (Forward, Singapore), Narubodin Weerawatnodom (Defender, Thailand), Mac Hong Quan (Forward, Vietnam)