Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Thailand 0-0 Saudi Arabia

The Thais kept their World Cup qualifying dreams alive with a rugged 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia. There weren't many chances in the game and a point a piece was a fair result.

Pattaya's Niweat was well positioned in the first half to clear a goal bound shot off the line. In the second, the Saudis had a goal disallowed, but judging by the players' reactions it appeared to be the correct decision.

Thailand never really forced the Saudi keeper to make a save, and most of the home sides attacking threats fizzled out in the final third due to lack off options.

On a positive note Thailand fought well and the central defensive partnership of Niweat and Cholratit held strong against their stronger opponents.

Frank Rijaard's team seemed happy with the point and they will feel confident of beating Thailand when they meet on 11th November in Riyadh. For Thailand, they need to go there and get a point. A loss wouldn't be a disaster, but it would leave Thailand possibly needing a minimum of 4 points from Australia at home and Oman away to qualify.

In the other game in Group D tonight, Australia defeated Oman 3-0. That leaves Australia with 9 points, Thailand 4, Saudi Arabia 2 and Oman 1.

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