Australia 2-1 Thailand

A goal 3 minutes from time was cruel on Thailand as they went down to a 2-1 defeat in Brisbane.

The Thais improved immensely on recent performances showing good organization and passion, but came short at the final hurdle as a stuttering Australia collected 3 points in the opening game in Group D.

The Thai goal on 15 minutes was the quality move of the first half. Sompong played a neat one-two with Rangsan before releasing Jakkraphan Keawprom down the wing. His cross into the box was inch perfect for Teesasil and the Muangthong striker coolly stroked the ball into the gaping net.

After the goal, Australia predictably had the upper hand, but their passing and crossing lacked quality. The closest the Socceroos came in the opening half was a Tim Cahill effort that was scuffed into Sintaweechai's hands after a long ball had been laid off to him in the box.

Five minutes after the break, the Everton hitman missed a glorious chance. A cross from the right was perfect for him at head height, but the unmarked Cahill headed wide.

Australia didn't have to wait long as their equalizer came on 58 minutes when a shot from McKay wasn't held by Sintaweechai and Kennedy tapped in the rebound.

The Socceroos then had a goal ruled out for a Cahill foul on Sintaweechai, and a few minutes later the Thai keeper almost dragged a Cahill header over the line. With the hindsight of replays, it appeared the ball never crossed the line.

It was a dodgy 10 minutes for Sintaweechai but once Cahill went off he commanded his area, and it looked like the Socceroos scoring threat had gone when the Everton man left the field injured on 70 minutes.

Unfortunately for the Thais, they conceded on 87 minutes. A cross from McKay on the left bounced of Josh Kennedy's waist in the box and it landed perfectly for Brosque, and he netted the winner much to the relief of the home crowd.

On reflection, the Socceroos dominated and deserved the win although Thailand can be proud of their resilient performance. If they can play with a similar passion against Oman on Tuesday, then 3 points should be a realistic possibility.