U23 SEA GAMES TEAM

THAILAND 1:0 LAOS

SEA GAMES FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT 2001  (KL. MALAYSIA)

FIRST ROUND 07/09/2001 19:45 TST.

Thailand, down to 10 players after Narongchai Vachiraban was red carded in the 49th minute, still won the match but what a battle they had to endure to secure the three points from Laos.

Laos, already eliminated from the semifinals, had nothing left to fight for but pride tonight. The defenders were at their best to put the brakes on the Thai forwards, who only managed to score once.

Thailand's only goal came after nine minutes when Rungpoj Hawanchri headed from a corner kick. The small band of fans at the stadium could not have been blamed if they thought they were for a goal feast.

But as the first half progressed, Thailand appeared to back off on the gas pedal and allowed Laos to get more possession. In fact, Laos even managed to launch several threatening moves on the Thai goal but poor finishing dashed any hopes of snatching an equaliser.

The Thai players lacked the aggression they usually have. Even the speedy attacks they are feared for was clearly missing. Despite this, the Thais managed to create numerous chances but all of them failed to hit their intended target.

In the 35th minute, Phichitpong Choeichiu almost increased the scoreline but his header went just wide.

A minute later, Laos should have levelled the score but striker Nitsavong Khounpachansy, after picking up a through pass from Souksavanh, failed to stab it in quick enough and was blocked by the Thai keeper.

Four minutes after the break, Thai striker Narongchai Vachiraban was sent off by referee Yoshida Toshmitsu of Japan for deliberately kicking Laos' Chanthy Souksombath. The Thais accepted the decision without any protest.

Although the Thais were down a player, they continued to surge forward in search of the goals. Laos were struggling to keep the ball out of the danger zone and resorted to some overzealous tackles in a desperate bid to keep the Thais out. In a space of 10 minutes, from the 55th minute onwards, three Laotian players - Bounthavy Khamphouvanh, Sanasith Anolack and Chanthy - were booked.

LAOS: Vannasith Thilavongsa, Anousone Khotsombath, Anan Thapsouvanh, Bounthavy Khampouvanh, Chanthy Souksombath, Phengta Phounsamay, Nitsavong Khovn Phachansy, Souksavanh, Tippasong Muangchan, Sanasith Anolack, Oupasong Souliya.

THAILAND: Panuwat Tanganurat, Jukkpant Punpee, Preratat Phoruandee, Rungpoj Hawanchri, Narongchai Vachiraban, Anucha Kitpongsri, Teeratep Winothai, Sarawut Treephan, Phichitpong Choeichiu, Manit Noyvach, Datsakorn Thonglao.