The quest for qualifying for Brazil 2014 ended as Thailand meekly lost 2-0 to Oman.
The crowd in the blazing afternoon sun didn't have long to wait for the opening goal. On 9 minutes, Adbul Aziz Mubarak got behind the Thai back 4 and despite the attention of three defenders, he managed to square the ball to an unmarked Hussain Al Hadri who netted from 12 yards out.
The tempo of the rest of the half was understandably rather slow in the desert heat although Thailand did have a good chunk of the possession without ever threatening Al Habsi in the Oman goal.
On the stroke of half-time, Oman almost doubled their lead as Amad Ali's curling effort hit the bar.
Again the pattern of play at the beginning of the second period mirrored the first half with Oman quite happy to let Thailand have possession in their own half. The Omanis seemed to know that play would eventually break down and they could pounce on the counter.
With Thailand looking like they were running out of time and ideas, they had their best chance of the game when newly introduced substitute, Leesaw, hit the post on 71 minutes.
Oman should have wrapped the game up with 10 minutes left on the clock but Darwish blazed over the goal from six yards out when it was easier to score.
Leesaw was then sent off on the 85th minute for a reckless lunge that struck the falling Al Mukhaini in the chest. The BG man can have zero complaints when he sees the relpay.
The game was over as a contest as the impressive Mubarak beat Kawin at his near post after a swift counter attack.
The 2-0 win was good enough for Oman to progress to the next qualifying stage as Saudi Arabia surrendered a 2-1 lead in Melbourne to lose 4-2 to Australia.
So, it's another disappointing end to a campaign that proved so promising. For the supporters and regular followers of Thai football, it's common knowledge who is responsible for obstructing the advancement of the national side. Let's just say that the blame shouldn't land on the doorstep of Winnie Schaefer and his coaching team. Enough said!!
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