White Angels stand in the way of the War Elephants

The first of the 2017 KL SEA Games semi-final pits reigning gold medalist Thailand against dark horse Myanmar. A match between a side who are technically the best in the competition against a side that are arguably the ones with the quickest feet around - it's bound to be an enthralling contest that awaits everyone at Selayang Stadium.

Having started the competition slowly when they failed to beat Indonesia in their opening group match, Thailand have won their next four matches. While they haven't scored an abundance of goals against the lesser likes of Cambodia and Timor Leste, they have certainly improved on their defence - keeping 360 continuous minutes of clean sheet.

That defence manned by Worawut Namvech and Saringkan Peomsupa will be put to the test against the free-scoring Myanmar side who not only have frightening speed but accompanied by good skills as well. Aung Thu was crowded out by Malaysia and that may well be what is on Worrawoot Srimaka's mind as he plots the downfall of Myanmar.

Goal

The midfield battle is no less interesting with Thailand's Nopphon Phonkam and Phittiwat Sookjitthummakul going up against Myanmar's Yan Naing Oo and Si Thu Aung. The duo of Thailand are more of the modern metronome type of midfielders but captain Thu Aung is a throwback to the days of mercurial silky midfielders, with an eye for the final pass.

After being put to the sword by Malaysia, Gerd Zeise will have his work cut out to ensure that his defence stays intact against Thailand. Htike Htike Aung and Thiha Htet Aung must find their resilience back or risk being completely overun by the powerful Chenrop Samphaodi and the returning Chaiyawat Buran.

Zeise will do well to use the five days worth of rest and recuperation to it's maximum, with his counterpart working round a 48 hours clock for his team to recover from a gruelling match against Vietnam under the hot evening sun. Sometimes the rest can take the momentum out of a team or revive them, it comes down to which side capitalise on it better.

Thailand's revival of fortune will put them as favourites going into the match and are expected to squash Myanmar to reach the final. However, Myanmar knows that they have already met the expectations and without the burden of pressure, could well stage an incredible upset on Saturday.

Whichever the case, a clash between two uber attacking sides could make this a classic match.