Before that match in Hanoi, coach Alfred Riedl said Thailand, which went on to win its sixth straight gold, was more "experienced" and his team’s chances were only "50-50."

Two years later, he’s saying the same things ahead of the repeat gold medal match today.

"They are better ... more experienced," said Riedl after beating Malaysia 2-1 in the semifinals Friday. "Our chances are 50-50."

In 2003, a 10-man Vietnam lost 2-1 in extra time to Thailand.

But Vietnam has an equal — if not better — chance of ending Thailand’s gold-medal winning streak that began in 1993. A win at the Panaad Stadium in this southern Philippine city will also end Thailand’s dominance over Vietnam in the region’s largest sporting event.

It began in the preliminary rounds with three straight victories, and Vietnam was the first team into the last four. That gave it a chance to rest some first-team players for the remainder of the group stages.

Thai coach Chanvit Phalajivin admitted he was under intense scrutiny in a soccer-crazy nation.

"Every coach in charge of Thailand is under a lot of pressure," said Phalajivin. "It’s not easy to continue (the winning streak).

The seventh time will be very, very difficult."

Thailand’s lead striker Teeratep Winothai picked up a knee injury while winger Ekaphan Inthasen was momentarily floored, and substituted, in the semifinal with Indonesia, which it won 3-1.

Their conditions will be assessed through Saturday and before the match, Phalavijin said.

Riedl has a full squad to choose from, and there are no injury worries. But he said his team’s tougher preliminary round could also be a determining factor.

"Some players had an average game (against Malaysia). We have to play better than we did against Malaysia," said the Austrian coach.

In the bronze-medal match Saturday, Malaysia play Indonesia.