Thailand got off to the start they wanted in their World Cup qualifying campaign yesterday by beating Sri Lanka 4-2 in the opening Asian Group Five match at the Municipal Stadium in Beirut.

The Thais trailed twice but both times star striker Kiatisak "Zico" Senamuang equalised and then further goals from Therdsak Chaiman and Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul ensured three vital points for Peter Withe's men.

Hosts Lebanon were playing Pakistan in the late match. Thailand's next match is against Pakistan tomorrow (10 p.m. Thai time).

Predictably, minnows Sri Lanka packed their defence and played only striker Roshan Perera up front but against the run of play they took the lead in the 20th minute. Perera's volley from a free-kick was blocked by defender Niweat Siriwong but Imthyas Raheem was on hand to fire home from six metres.

Thailand fought back strongly and in first-half injury time a long ball from Therdsak-playing in place of the flu-struck Tawan Sripan-found Zico and he scored with a fine shot from 25 metres.

Five minutes after the break, though, Thailand found themselves behind again and once again it was Raheem who was on target, this time converting a cross from Kamaldeen Fuard after being left unmarked by the Thai defence.

Within a minute, though, Thailand were back on level terms. Sri Lankan goalkeeper Mohamed Naushad could not hold a free-kick and Zico was in the right place to make it 2-2.

In the 53rd minute, Thailand went ahead for the first time when Therdsak shot home after a cross from Niweat.

Withe's men were now in control but they had to wait until six minutes before time to make the game safe. Long-range specialist Thawatchai blasted in a curving shot from 20 metres.

Afterwards Withe said: "I am pleased with the way we played and the three points. The pitch was not very good and our players had some problems controlling the ball but they adapted well to the conditions."