Thailand's hopes buried by Qatar

Earlier China and Sweden drew 2-2, making it essential for Thailand to win if they were to make the final.

An enthusiastic crowd of about 15,000 roared on the Thai side which desperately needed a victory, but they went away disappointed at the end following a three-goal blitz in the second half by Qatar.

There was little to choose between the teams in the first half and both sides squandered chances. Kiatisak Senamuang and Tawan Sripan linked up well for Thailand but could not make the vital breakthrough and the teams went in at half-time 0-0 and the game wide open.

Although both sides created chances after the interval, it was Qatar who scored the vital first goal in the 54th minute when Mustafa Mubarak beat the offside trap to bang the ball home and make it 1-0.

Thailand looked a bit shaken by this goal and in the 67th minute found themselves 2-0 down. A shot from Mohd Golam was deflected onto the bar by Kittisak Rawangpa and Walid Hamza headed it home.

As Thailand pushed forward, desperate to reduce the arrears, they inevitably left themselves exposed at the back and in the 75th minute Walid Hamza made it 3-0 to put the issue beyond doubt.

As the disappointed crowd began to file out of the stadium Thailand scored a consolation goal through the industrious Tawan in the 84th minute, but it was too little too late.

Thailand's coach, Peter Withe admitted his team did not play as well as they had against Sweden. He said six key players were missing from the Thai team and it was difficult for some of the new players to adapt.

Mr Withe said Thailand still created plenty of chances, but the strikers had failed to take the opportunities and at this level it makes the difference between victory and defeat.

Thai team manager, Mr Virat Charnpanich said he was sorry for the spectators that Thailand did not win. However he acknowledged Qatar played well and deserved their victory.

He said that Thailand missed two key players at the back-Niweat Siriwong and Surachai Jirasirichote-and that made a big difference.

Qatar's coach, Dzemal Hadziabdic said a change of tactics in the second half, switching to counter-attacks, paid off for his side.