U23 SEA GAMES TEAM
THAILAND 1:0 SINGAPORE
SEA GAMES FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT 2001 (KL. MALAYSIA)
FIRST ROUND 03/09/2001 16:00 TST.
The only goal of the game came from rising star Teerathep Winothai in the 32nd minute.
Teerathep, who is on the books of English Division 1 side Crystal Palace, blasted the ball home after Singapore goalie Lionel Lewis failed to hold on to a fierce shot from Manit Noyvach.
Thailand looked the better side and dominated the first half with both Teerathep and Narongchai Vachiraban missing good chances to add to the score.Thailand kept up the pressure in the second half but once again failed to convert their chances. Pichitpong Choeichiu was very unlucky after his fine shot was well saved by the goalie.
As the half progressed Singapore began to get back into the game and came close to scoring in the 60th minute, but Thai keeper Ammarin Yaodam made a good save.
The Singapore side missed a great chance to equalise a few minutes later when Masrezwan Masturi blasted the ball over the top of an empty goal from only a couple of yards out.
Two minutes before the final whistle, Thai substitute Wuttiya Yongant, who came on for Teeratep, was given a red card after being put through and colliding with the goalkeeper. He appeared to exchange words with the referee who promptly gave him his marching orders.
However Thailand held on for an important win which, following a 7-0 victory over Cambodia, keeps them on course for topping their group.
Team manager Kasem Jariyawatwong said his team played well considering the stifling heat and the strong defensive performance from the Singapore side.
He said he was confident Thailand would win their next match against Laos on Friday.
Thai coach Dolejs Otakar said he was happy with a 1-0 victory as Singapore had played well defensively. ``The main thing is we got the three points,'' he said. ``Singapore played well, but we were better than them tactically.''
Wuthiya apologised for losing his temper which earned him the red card. ``I was going for a 50-50 ball with the keeper when a defender stamped on me. I just got mad and started shouting,'' he said. ``I must learn to stay cool.''
Singapore's Danish coach Fleming Nielsen said he was disappointed with the result but admitted ``Thailand are a strong team.''
He said that the Thai side deserved their 1-0 lead at half-time. ``We had a chance to equalise in the second half but couldn't convert,'' he said.
``However, I am proud of the way the players performed.''
