For the first time in a long, long time Thailand’s passionate home support was able to relax and enjoy themselves, as the Elephants recorded a seriously impressive 3-0 victory over Oman in the World Cup Qualifier.  
After years watching the national team underachieve, it seems like new German coach Winnie Schafer might finally be tapping into the true potential of the Thai squad. It helped that the visitors, Oman were rather woeful but perhaps equally important was the fact that the Elephants were finally able to take their chances. 
Despite a rather poor pitch, not helped by a pre-match downpour, the Thais looked confident and in control throughout with the midfield dominating the Omani opposition and Buriram playmaker Rangsan Vivatchaichok particularly catching the eye. That’s not to say the Elephants didn’t miss a few, and the final score line could have been even more impressive but well-taken goals from strikers Sompong Soleb and Teerasil Dangda in the first half meant the result was never really in doubt. 
To their credit the Thais didn’t take their foot of the gas and despite missing a hatful of goal scoring chances in the second half got the just reward for their attacking endeavor when Omani defender Farsi turned into his own net right at the death. 
The result means Thailand now sit second in the group behind Australia who recorded a 3-1 win away to Saudi Arabia. The Saudis, who are managed by Dutch legend Frank Rijkaard, will be Thailand’s next opponents in Bangkok on October 11. A result against them and maybe, just maybe we can dare to dream.