Bangkok: After securing their first point on the Road to Russia with a 2-2 draw against Australia in November, Thailand went into Thursday’s Group B clash with table-toppers Saudi Arabia confident an elusive win could follow.
But despite matching Bert van Marwijk’s team in many departments at Rajamangala Stadium, the hosts produced little to trouble their opponents as Saudi Arabia secured a slightly flattering 3-0 victory to edge closer to FIFA World Cup qualification.
Of Thailand’s six shots just one was on target, but it was their wastefulness from crossing positions that really stood as only two of 14 deliveries into the Saudi penalty area found their intended target, while not once was a teammate picked out from a set play into the box.
Wasteful out wide
In contrast, the Saudis were both more composed and more clinical in the final third, a fact perfectly highlighted by Mohammed Al Sahlawi’s opening goal in the 26th minute.
After working the ball well out wide, Nawaf Al Abid took possession 40 yards from goal and delivered a superb angled delivery to Al Sahlawi, who controlled on his chest before finding the back of the net from eight yards.
Making it count
Thailand’s big frontman Siroch Chatthong curled wide just before the interval and Kiatisuk Senamuang’s team began with promise after the restart. But when they did manage to find openings in the Saudi defence, custodian Yasser Al Mosailem was rarely troubled on what was a comfortable night for the Al Ahli man.
Perapat Notechaiya, introduced at half-time, was among the guilty culprits, twice firing wide from inside the left side of the penalty area. The midfielder also misdirected five of his six crosses in an individual performance that summed up the hosts' woes as Thailand’s hopes of salvaging a point wilted as the half wore on.
Bad night for Perapat
There was an air of inevitability about Saudi Arabia’s game-killing second goal, miscued into his own net by the unfortunate Tanaboon Kesarat with six minutes remaining.
Tellingly, it would be from another accurate ball into the box as Mansour Al Harbi’s dangerous low delivery from the left was diverted into his own net by the unfortunate Thai defender, who had Yahya Al Shehri ready to tap in at the back post behind him.
Salman Muwashar rounded off the scoring in stoppage time as Saudi Arabia maintained their lead at the top of Group B ahead of Tuesday’s home clash with Iraq when the Gulf state will look to continue their march towards a first FIFA World Cup since 2006.
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com