Bangkok: AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2018-bound Thailand played out a goalless draw with New Zealand at PAT Stadium, in a match which saw Nuengrutai Srathongvian return to the role of Thailand women’s national team head coach.
Having led Thailand’s team at the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship in China last month, 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup coach Nuengrutai took charge of the senior team for the first time in over two years, having replaced recently departed English head coach Spencer Prior.
In a match where scoring chances were few and far between, the World No.14 New Zealanders had the better of the contest, but found it difficult to breach Thailand’s organised defence.
A long-range shot from Football Ferns defender Ria Percival was the nearest either side came to finding the net in the first half, before Amber Heard’s header was denied by a Waraporn Boonsing save in the 53rd minute.
Thailand’s best moments came late in the match, but even then they failed to create any clear cut chances, and the points were shared.
The draw extended Thailand’s unbeaten run to 10 matches, dating back to a defeat against China in January.
Thailand will face New Zealand again in Nonthaburi on Tuesday, before discovering their 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup opponents at the official draw on December 9.
Photo: Football Association of Thailand
Source: the-afc.com