NATIONAL TEAM
THAILAND 0:0 IRAN
WORLD CUP 2002 ASIAN QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT (BANGKOK THAiLAND)
2nd ROUND 01/09/2001 18:30 TST.
Thailand kept alive their hopes of reaching next year's World Cup finals with an impressive 0-0 draw against favourites Iran at Rajamangala Stadium last night.
In fact, the Iranians were happy to escape with a point as the Thais squandered a number of clear-cut chances. The visitors, led by Hertha Berlin striker Ali Daei, rarely posed any danger to the home side in this Group A game of the second round of Asian qualifiers for next year's finals in South Korea and Japan.
``We showed the world that we can play. We can compete with good teams. I'm proud of our players,'' Thailand's coach Peter Withe said after the game.
Iran's Croatian coach Miroslav Blazevic said he was satisfied with the draw and admitted that Iran were lucky to get a point from ``hell''. Group A is now relatively well balanced. Surprise package Bahrain and Iran both have four points from two games while Saudi Arabia, who beat Iraq 1-0 on Friday, also have four points but have played one game more. Iraq lie fourth with three points from three games and Thailand have one point from two games.
The Iranians, who defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 in their opening match, started convincingly against the Thais. But while the Middle East side had more possession , they failed to penetrate the Thai defence. Daei, who scored both goals against the Saudis, was effectively neutralised by the Thai defence, marshalled by the brilliant Chukiat Noosalung and Choketawee Promrut.
Cheered on by some 30,000 compatriots, Thailand counter-attacked the Iranians with fast breaks and could have scored a number of goals. Speedy striker Kiatisak ``Zico'' Senamuang caused trouble for Iran's defenders time and time again down the right flank.
After nine minutes, Kiatisak's low cross was almost met by Sakesan Pituratana in the goalmouth. Six minutes later Kiatisak intercepted a poor kick from Iranian goalkeeper Ebrahim Mirazpour just outside the area, only to be tackled by a defender.
In the second half, the Iranians, who have played in two finals, seemed to run out of ideas as the Thais got better and better with short passing and lightning counter-attacks which caused problems for the slow defenders.
In the 50th minute, midfielder Nirut Surasiang brilliantly beat several Iran defenders only to be blocked by the keeper. Five minutes later, Tawan Sripan was clear but his shot went wide. Kiatisak twice fed Sakesan from the right but his striking partner narrowly failed to connect with low crosses.
Halfway through the second half, Chukiat's close-range header forced a fine save from Mirazpour. At the other end, Thai goalkeeper Kittisak Rawangpa had a relatively comfortable day.
Afterwards Withe added that it had been crucial for Thailand to bounce back from their 4-0 defeat by Iraq in Baghdad _ a result he reiterated was caused by the temperature and the players' lack of time to acclimatise.
``We showed everybody that we can play. That is why we are here (in the second phase of Asian qualifiers),'' said the former England international.
Thai team manager Virat Charnpanich praised the Thai players' performance but said it was unfortunate that Thailand only got a point as they should have netted four or five goals.
Blazevic, who guided Croatia to third place in France 1998, said any team who could survive against the Thais on their home soil should consider themselves lucky. He praised Thailand for being well-organised.
