Defeat condemns Thais to bottom place
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Thailand are sure to finish bottom of Group B after they lost 2-1 to Iraq in their penultimate World Cup qualifier at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on Thursday.
The two teams went into the game as the bottom two and already out of the reckoning to reach Russia next year. Milovan Rajevac’s side were also still chasing their first win in the group after eight games.
Iraq’s first goal was scored by Justin Meram in the 34th minute, substitute Tristan Do levelled for Thailand in the 63rd minute and Iraq scored the winner 22 minutes later ahead through a free kick from Saad Abdul-Amir.
Japan, meanwhile, clinched their spot in the World Cup finals with a 2-0 win over Australia that also guaranteed them top spot in the group.
Thailand will visit Australia for their last game on September 5 when the host nation will be seeking a big win to pip Saudi Arabia for the second qualifying place.
