Thais’ dismal World Cup ends in glorious defeat

Already doomed to finish bottom of their Asian region qualification table, Thailand held out until the 69th minute and then shocked the hosts by equalizing through Pokklaw Anan after 81 minutes.

Their joy was short-lived, however, as Australia regained the lead five minutes from time. The Socceroos’ hopes of qualifying for Russia 2018 evaporated as hours later Saudi Arabia beat Japan 1-0 to earn that spot with pool leader Japan already securing the first slot to Russia. Australia, as the third finisher in the pool, will now have to win the play-offs to reach the World Cup Finals.