Thailand beats Vietnam 3-0
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After making a triumphant return from Vietnam following Tuesday's comprehensive 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory, national football team coach Kiatisak Senamuang said Wednesday his charges would come within a touching distance of qualification for the las
The Thai side’s slick passing, which now became their hallmark of Kiatisak’s men, was on full display at the packed My Dinh stadium in Hanoi as they tore into their opponents at times with a brand of football that was pleasing on the eye.
With his form for the national team dipping slightly in recent matches, Chonburi FC midfielder Kroekrit Thawikan took a starring role in the Vietnamese capital by scoring a spectacular 25-yard drive in the first half before the hosts conceded an own goal from his cross after the break.
Captain and left back Theerathon Bunmathan put the icing on the cake with arguably the goal of the Thais’ glorious evening as the Buriram United defender put a finishing touch to the fluent move featuring 16 passes to wrap up his side’s well-deserved victory.
The result extended the Thais’ lead at the top of Group F to five points over 2007 Asian champions and group favourites Iraq, who play a game less, with Vietnam a point further back in third spot.
With his side taking a significant step towards clinching the top spot and the automatic qualification for the final qualifying round with the Vietnam win, Kiatisak felt if his men were able to claim another three points against fourth-placed Taiwan at home next month they would have a 90 percent chance of making it through.
“We still cannot say we’re already through but the victory over Vietnam is the important one. Should we manage to beat Taiwan in the next game, we’ll have a good chance of reaching the next round. In my view, it would be a 90 percent chance (of qualifying).
“The players will return to their clubs. They’ll have four Thai Premier League games to play before the Taiwan fixture. If anyone performs well until then, I’ll ready to give them a call-up. For those who are already in the team, they could lose their places if they fail to maintain their performance,” Kiatisak told reporters upon his arrival from Hanoi.
