A near capacity crowd saw an impressive performance by the home side ultimately count for nought as Thailand’s World Cup qualifying campaign suffered a major blow against Australia. It will be an Australian side that will feel fortunate to be leaving the Supachalsai stadium with all three points after they were outplayed for long stretches by a disciplined Thai side who were comfortable and assured but once again shot themselves in the foot by failing to capitalize in front of goal.
Indeed, Australia were forced to play on the break for long stages only really troubling the Thai back line from set pieces. It was therefore unsurprising that the decisive goal came as a result of an Australian counter attack in 78th minute header. A swift break after a loose pass in the middle of the field ended in Brett Emerton laying on a perfect cross for Brett Holman whose header just managed to squirm under the body of Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool.
However, Thailand had some gilt-edged chances of their own and in particular will look back to a missed chance towards the end of the first half when Captain Datsakorn Thonglao’s pinpoint pass found by Suree Sukha one-on-one with Aussie keeper Mark Schwarzer only to blaze over the bar. Despite a frenetic end to the match after Thai coach Winnie Schafer threw on strikers Pibob On-Mo and Teerasil Dangda, the Elephants were unable to find a way back.
The one positive, aside from the performance, was the news that Saudi Arabi and Oman had played out a 0-0 draw in the group’s other game. This result means that second spot is still up for grabs. If the group winners Australia can beat Saudi Arabia at home and Thailand can win away to Oman then the Elephants can still qualify. It’s perhaps an optimistic outlook considering the Socceroos have nothing to play for against Saudi and Oman who have shown some real form since Thailand beat them 3-0 in Bangkok can also qualify with a win. The matches will take place on February 29th and we’ll have more on the build up to those crucial games closer to the time.