THAILAND VS CHINA
16 MAY 2007 18:30 TST. RAJMANGALA NATIONAL STADIUM
Ticket Inoformation at Thaiticketmaster.com
Goalkeepers: Kosin Hathairattanakool (Chonburi), Sivaluk Terdsunnern (Bangkok Bank), Weera Kerdputsa (Bangkok University) and Narit Taweekul (Tobacco)
Defenders: Jedsada Jitsawad (Tobacco), Phaisarn Phona (Chonburi), Nattaporn Phanrit (PEA), Suree Sukha (Chonburi), Natthapong Samana (Krung Thai), Punnarat Klinsukhon (Bangkok University), Panithan Petchpoon (Bangkok University), Supachai Komsilp (Krung Thai), Niweat Siriwong (Saigon Port, Vietnam), Panuwong Wongsa (PEA) and Apichate Puttan (PEA).
Mid-fielders: Surat Sukha (Chonburi), Hattaporn Suwan (PEA), Jakkrit Boonkham (Osotspa), Suchao Nutnum (TOT), Phichitpong Cheuchiew (Krung Thai), Kraikiat Beadtaku (Krung Thai), Anon Boonsukho (Krung Thai), Tawan Sripan (BEC Tero), Therdsak Chaiman (Arm Force, Singapore), Narongchai Vachiraban (PEA), Nirut Surasiang (Bin Dinh, Vietnam) and Datsakorn Thonglao (Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Vietnam)
Forwards: Manit Noyvech (Suphanburi), Pipat Tonkanya (BEC Tero), Nirut Kumsawad (Port), Thana Chanaboot (PEA), Suriya Domthaisong (Bangkok University), Sutee Suksomkit (Tampines Rovers, Singapore) and Supakij Jinajai (PEA).
CHINA
Li Leilei, Jiao Zhe, Li Jinyu, Han Peng, Zhang Yaokun, Yan Song, Chen Dong, Li Mingyi, Xu Yunlong, Zhang Shuai, Li Weifeng, Du Wei, Jiang Kun, Cao Yang, Yang Jun, Hao Junmin, Wang Dong, Zhao Junzhe, Xin Feng, Qu Bo, Li Tie, Shi Jun.
Morale-boosting win
for Thailand (May 17, 2007)
TOR CHITTINAND
Thailand's national football squad received a great confidence boost for
their Asian Cup campaign when they defeated China 1-0 in a warm-up at
Rajamangala National Stadium yesterday. It was the first time Thailand had
beaten China since the Asian Games in Beijing 17 years ago and was a
well-deserved victory.
Thailand
put on a very encouraging display with veteran stars Therdsak Chaiman,
playing as captain, and Tawan Sripan making a significant contribution to
the team's improved performance.
Striker Pipat Tonkanya had the honour of scoring the only goal of the
match just before half-time.
Coach Chanvit Phalajivin said he was delighted with his team's
performance.
''We played much better than I had expected,'' he said.
''It was our first game since January. Also we didn't have our strongest
squad out so it was a good effort.''
Thailand looked the livelier side from the start with Sutee Suksomkit
testing the goalkeeper Li Lei Lei in the opening minute.
China responded well and in the seventh minute Thailand goalkeeper Kosin
Hathairattanakool had to save a strong header from Sheffield United's Li
Tie.
As the half wore on Thailand continued to press with Tawan, Suthee and
Therdsak all testing the Chinese goalkeeper with some good efforts.
The crucial breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Tawan hit a fierce
shot from outside the area which the China goalkeeper could only push out
and BEC Tero striker Pipat pounced to slot the ball home.
The goal brought a roar from the small but enthusiastic crowd.
Thailand
suffered a blow early in the second half when Therdsak was carried off
with what looked like an ankle injury.
China began to press for an equaliser but the Thai defence, which played
well all night, held firm.
Thailand still looked more likely to score and Suchao Nutnum and Jakkrit
Bunkham both tested the keeper before the final whistle which brought a
memorable victory for Thailand.
Coach Chanvit praised the performances of Therdsak and Tawan.
''They really helped the team a lot with their experience,'' he said. ''It
was particularly encouraging as we did not have Nirut Surasiang or
Datsakorn Thonglao playing.''
He said the lack of height amongst his players did not seem to matter.
''Our defence dealt with the long ball quite comfortably and I think that
surprised China.''
President of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), Worawi Makudi
said it was a good performance in the circumstances. ''The team only got
together for three days so it was an excellent effort,'' he said.