Thai fan too good for England No 1
A humble man from Yala province, Theerapong Saefung, will be the envy of soccer fans worldwide tomorrow when he steps out to receive a trophy at half-time in the Manchester derby. The 26-year-old fought off competition from two compatriots and three Indon
The six contestants lined up at City’s training complex in Carrington, attempting something that several international strikers have failed to do – beat England’s No 1 Joe Hart from the penalty spot.
With Thai reporters cheering on their three compatriots, the soft-spoken Theerapong fired a well-placed shot beyond Hart into the bottom-right corner.
As a result, Theerapong will tomorrow become one of the few fans to have ever stepped onto the field at Manchester City’s home ground, the Etihad stadium, where he will receive his trophy from club legend Mike Summerbee at half-time.
Hart widely regarded as one of the world’s best keepers said he was impressed by the penalty-kick contestants’ skills.
“They did it great. I think they struck the ball well. Some a little too well, unfortunately smashing it over the bar. But the goal was a really worthy winner. It was like a [City striker Mario] Balotelli strike.”
