Thais flat in tune-up for World Cup qualifier

Given that the game was played only five days before the Group D match against Saudi Arabia at home on Tuesday, it came as no surprise that Thailand’s German coach Winfried Schaefer put out an experimental side. It contained several players who did not feature in the first two World Cup qualifiers, against Australia and Oman last month.
With Schaefer preferring to leave out in-form striker Teerasil Dangda, who was carrying a minor knock, no player from Thailand Premier League champions Muang Thong United made the line-up.
Schaefer’s changes took their toll, with the hosts taking some time to find their rhythm at the almost deserted stadium. Few moves of note decorated the opening stages as both teams remained cagey about going forward.
The lack of a single attempt on goal in the first 20 minutes showed the lifeless nature of the game. Most disappointing for the hosts was the display of Bangkok Glass forward Sarayoot Chaikamdee, who was handed a rare run-out but seldom got involved in the hosts’ play.
Thailand, though, almost conjured a goal out of nothing when Sompong Sorleb whipped a cross into the box and Apiphu Sunthornpanawet – another player handed a chance to impress – fired his point-blank shot against the post.
Ahead of the interval, Thailand made their first substitution when Schaefer decided to take off his regular right-midfielder Sompong as a precaution after the Buriram player sustained a slight injury to his right leg.
With half-time approaching, the visitors’ goalkeeper was called into action for the first time, superbly tipping Apiphu’s fierce long-range shot over the bar.  
The second half started more promisingly when the lively Apiphu recommenced his assault on goal, bursting through on the right side of the box only to see his shot sail harmlessly over the bar.
Soon after, Apiphu, keen to stake his claim for a place against a Saudi Arabia side coached by former Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard, came even closer from a similar position, with his angled shot fizzing just wide of the far post.
After such a positive start to the half, the pace of the game then dropped considerably as both sides made a slew of substitutions.
Piyaphon Buntao put the ball in the back of the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside, and the Jordanian keeper had little to do as the game wound down to a disappointing conclusion.
Schaefer now turns his attention to Tuesday when his side, lying second in the group, can brighten their qualification chances with a win over the third-placed Saudis.