Sarach nets the winner for lethargic Thailand
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Muangthong United midfielder Sarach Yooyen further enhanced his reputation by netting a solitary goal in Thailand's crucial 10 victory over Malaysia in their third Group B match, which put them within touching distance of a place in the semifinals of the
Despite looking well below their best against the Malaysians at Bishan stadium, the Thai side still enjoyed better chances in the opening half, with Muangthong United midfielder Thitiphan Puangjan, in particular, culpable of wasting several decent scoring opportunities.
The Thais’ display during the first 45 minutes was so lethargic that it seemed to explain why the 14time champions managed only a 10 win over unfancied Timor Leste in the previous group game on Monday.
BEC Tero Sasana’s midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin, seen by pundits as a key figure in the country’s bid to retain the title they won two years ago in Myanmar, found himself in the thick of action early but his influence waned as the opening half wore on.
Forward Chananan Pombubpha, the team’s leading scorer after netting four goals in the opening 40 victory over Laos, had a chance to add to his tally when the Malaysian keeper made an instinctive save from his flicked header at the near post from a corner.
Just before half an hour of the game played in hot weather, a wellcrafted move down the left wing ended up with Chonburi FC’s Nurul Sriyankem heading the ball harmlessly off target. It proved the last notable action before referee briefly stopped the play for the cooling break to allow both sets of players to drink water.
The Malaysians, who were the victims of two penalty decisions in their 51 loss to Vietnam, then survived what seemed a strong penalty claim from the Thai side at the stroke of halftime when a Malaysian player appeared to handle the ball after making a sliding challenge.
In the second half, the Thais, who needed a win to put themselves in a driving seat for a berth in the semifinals, hardly fared better. In fact, it was Malaysia, who came close to stunning their illustrious opponents when keeper Chanin Saeear produced a magnificent fingertip save from a swerving longrange shot.
The breakthrough, however, came out of the blue when Sarach Yooyen picked up the ball just outside the penalty area before unleashing an unstoppable low shot into the bottom corner, much to the relief of the Thai bench.
Nurul had a giltedged chance to put the result beyond doubt in the closing stages when he was sent clear by a defencesplitting pass but saw his effort blocked by the advancing goalie. Nevertheless, the Thais were able to hold onto the desired outcome.
