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.
The best performance I have ever seen from Thailand. Hopefully some of the players attracted the attention of A-League clubs. Would be nice to see some Thais follow the lead of Surat Sukha who was a success at Melbourne Victory. Although I was happy that Australia won, I do feel sorry for Thailand conceding so late. Hopefully the disappointment won't stop them from continuing that form against Oman this week.
ReplyDeleteAustralia certainly got out of jail in this one as it was a poor performance. Hopefully that was your wake-up call and you'll play better against Saudi Arabia on Tues.
ReplyDeleteFor Thailand, the game against Oman will be totally different ball game. Oman will probably sit back and Thailand will have to attack them.
Will you be coming over to watch Thailand v Australia in November, Costa?
I would love to Malky, hoping a good Air Asia deal comes out cause at the moment the flights are quite expensive. Also aiming to visit around Songkran time..
ReplyDeleteIt's a pity for me that Aussie game is a midweek one. It's a nightmare getting to and from the Rajamangala during rush hour. If it's on TV, I'll most likely take the easy option.
ReplyDeleteThere should be some games for you to watch before and after Songkran. At this rate, the current season will probably still be running even though it's meant to finish in January!!
You make a good point there. Why on earth do these games start at 18.00? Actually, I can answer that: it's because the FAT is organising. The WCQs should start at 20.00 at the EARLIEST. The little things give away how totally clueless they are.
ReplyDelete6pm is fine if it's at the weekend as the traffic generally isn't as bad as midweek.
ReplyDeleteRecently Muangthong and Chonburi midweek games have been kicking off at 19.30. The FAT should follow suit for international games.
They'll hopefully delay kickoff as the idiots at FAT are not opening the gates until 5:30. 25000+ fans in and seated in 30 minutes? Good luck.
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