THAILAND 0:2 BRAZIL (SELECTION)

19 June 1999  FOUR NATIONS TOURNAMENT CELEBRATE HM. THE KING 72nd

Report by: Suphap Thantiraphant (Bangkok Post)

Visiting goalkeeper proves unbeatableAn early goal in each half was enough to clinch a 2-0 victory for the Brazilian Selection team over Thailand in the final of the Four Nations Tournament at Rajamangala National Stadium yesterday.

A crowd of over 30,000 turned out to support the Thai team but the Brazilians were too good on the day.

Thailand head coach Peter Withe banked on defensive tactics by dropping midfielder Tongchai Akarapong for defender Kanae Chan-Im and moving Dusit Chalermsaen into midfield.

But it didn't take the Brazilian team long to score the first goal. After just five minutes, a perfect cross from the left was met by Edson Souza who headed home from close range.

Thailand looked for an equaliser immediately but captain Kiatisak Senamuang's left-foot shot went straight at goalkeeper Adriano  Francesco.

Then in the 11th minute Seksan Piturat had what turned out to be the best chance of the match for Thailand when he got clear down the right. His shot beat the keeper but hit the post and although Kiatisak latched onto the rebound, he shot straight at Francesco.

Brazil answered with a 20-metre free-kick which saw Edson fire over the crossbar.

Seksan had another good chance to score in the 34th minute but his 15-metre shot was tipped over the bar by Francesco. Francesco then saved well from Dusit's free-kick as the half drew to a close.

Three minutes after the interval Brazil got their second when Thai defender Chukiat Nulasung caught the leg of Rogerio De Silva and referee Rasamee Jindamai had no hesitation pointing to the spot.

Star striker Darcy Montilo made no mistake with the kick.

Kiatisak was again denied by the impressive Francesco and the Brazilians ran out comfortable winners.

Brazilian head coach Afredo Sampaio said he was impressed with Thailand and especially midfielder Anurak Srikerd. He added that five of his players are good enough for the national side.

Withe said he thought the Thai side had played fairly well. He pointed to two turning points-the first when Krisada Piendit was brought down inside the area but a penalty was not given and then the penalty that  was awarded to Brazil.

With the defence of Thailand's SEA Games title in mind, Withe said his team could learn from playing teams of a high standard like Brazil and should be encouraged because they had created several chances.

Thailand lost 4-1 to Brazil's under-20 team during the King's Cup tournament in January.

The match for third place was won by Poland who beat New Zealand 5-4 in a penalty shootout after scoreless draw after 90 minutes.