Asian Games 2010

[charade_2010]

Although Thailand have made the next round, I am rather disapointed in how they have made it. 2 draws .

So am I !  

Robson's men now face tough path

Thailand advanced to the second round of the football tournament after a dismal scoreless draw wiht minnows Maldives yesterday.

Thailand, who have not yet won an Asian Games medal, finished second in Group F behind Oman who defeated Pakistan 2-0.

The kingdom will next face Group B runners-up who could be Vietnam or Turkmenistan. If they reach the quarter-finals, they could meet favourites Japan or Iran.

Thailand coach Bryan Robson made nine changes to the line-up with captain and defender Nataporn Phanrit and striker Teerasil Dangda the only first-team stars in the starting 11.

Thailand started lively with Nataporn's header hitting the bar after three minutes. Thailand were denied by the woodwork again in the 13th minute when Teerasil's shot hit a post.

But Maldives fought back spiritedly and had their own chances with Ali Ashfaq tormenting the Thai defenders throughout the match.

Midway through the second half, Robson sent on star midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao and striker Kirati Keawsombut.

Datsakorn, one of the three overaged players, soon made his presence felt as his free-kick hit the bar.

Thailand threw everything at Maldives in the final minutes but could not break the opponents' gritty defence.

"It's a disappointing result. We had several chances but missed them all," said Robson.

The English coach criticised Maldives for using delaying tactics.

"I think Maldives played only 70 minutes. The referee should have added 10 or 15 minutes of injury time instead of five minutes," he said.

He said his men would face a tough opponent no matter if they finished first or second in Group F.

Maldives coach Mauroof Ahmed praised his men for their hard work.

"Thailand are a better team than us tactically and technically. We were lucky to get a point today," he said.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong ended a 52-year wait to qualify for the knock-out stage after beating Bangladesh 4-1.

Hong Kong will face Oman in the second round.

Champions Qatar edged past Kuwait 2-0 to also make the last 16.

Qatar ensured they finished top of Group D with a 31st minute strike from Hatim Abdelaziz and another by Ahmad Abdil deep in injury time.

Kuwait still went through as the second placed team, while India stunned Singapore 4-1 to keep their hopes alive of qualifying as one of the four best-placed teams finishing third.

[druryfire]

Just thinking about this, why didn't Robson include Leesaw as an overaged player or Anon? Get them banging in some goals and confidence for the AFF Cup.

[charade_2010]

68 % ball possession for Thailand but just draw 0-0 !

[Vinnie]

Although Thailand have made the next round, I am rather disapointed in how they have made it. 2 draws. Not really what I expected from this current crop of Thai players.

Did the 6-0 mauling of Pakistan make the players think they were to good, or are they saving there best for later. Later will be much tougher though, but i guess at age restricted level, anything can happen.

I held my peace after the Oman game - I'm not one to take group stage results too seriously - but 0-0 v the Maldives is an appalling result.

[SriRachaShark]

Although Thailand have made the next round, I am rather disapointed in how they have made it. 2 draws. Not really what I expected from this current crop of Thai players.

Did the 6-0 mauling of Pakistan make the players think they were to good, or are they saving there best for later. Later will be much tougher though, but i guess at age restricted level, anything can happen.

I held my peace after the Oman game - I'm not one to take group stage results too seriously - but 0-0 v the Maldives is an appalling result.

I didn't even bother with it. Someone has lent me the Dad's Army box set so I started to watch that instead. I think I made the right choice.

What went wrong?

[druryfire]

Thailand to meet Turkmenistan in the knockout round

[wolfman]

Full round of 16 draw:

1: China v South Korea
2: Qatar v Uzbekistan
3: Iran v Malaysia
4: Oman v Hong Kong
5: UAE v Kuwait
6: North Korea v Vietnam
7: Turkmenistan v Thailand
8: Japan v India

Quarterfinals will be 1v2, 3v4, 5v6, 7v8
Thailand's clash with Turkmenistan will be on Tuesday 16th, at 6pm (Thai time).

[lokomotive]

Full round of 16 draw:

1: China v South Korea
2: Qatar v Uzbekistan
3: Iran v Malaysia
4: Oman v Hong Kong
5: UAE v Kuwait
6: North Korea v Vietnam
7: Turkmenistan v Thailand
8: Japan v India

Quarterfinals will be 1v2, 3v4, 5v6, 7v8
Thailand's clash with Turkmenistan will be on Wednesday 17th, at 7pm (Gwangxhou time).

...sorry but THA match is on 16.

[lokomotive]

The ladies take on today.

Full squad here:

http://www.thai-fussball.com/en/

[charade_2010]

Robson accepts criticism after Maldives draw, urges players to improve performance

GUANGZHOU : Thailand will face Turkmenistan in the second round of the men's football tournament on Tuesday.

Thailand's last 16 round opponent was determined yesterday when Turkmenistan finished second in Group B after a 1-1 draw with Bahrain.

The kingdom were second in Group F after they were held to a scoreless draw by Maldives on Thursday.

They would have met Hong Kong in the second round had they defeated Maldives and topped Group F.

"We are lucky to meet Turkmenistan," Thailand coach Bryan Robson said yesterday. "I think my players know their players."

The two teams met in a warm-up match in Bangkok just before the Asiad. The Thais had to come from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw.

Robson complained that there was no TV in the athletes' village so he could not study tapes of opponents.

The Englishman said his players had practised shooting from the spot as a match could be decided by penalty kicks in the knockout stage.

Thailand could meet hot favourites Japan in the quarter-finals and Robson was heavily criticised for using a second string side against Maldives.

But the former Manchester United star said any opponents in the knockout rounds were strong.

"I understand why they criticised me. As coach, I have to do everything to get a good result. I hope the players give their all for the country," he said.

Other second round matches: China vs South Korea; Oman vs Hong Kong; Qatar vs Uzbekistan; Iran vs Malaysia; Thailand vs Turkmenistan; North Korea vs Vietnam; Kuwait vs UAE; Japan vs India.

[wolfman]

...sorry but THA match is on 16.

Right you are. Was having issues with the mouse and problems chainging windows. Fixed OP, and the Thai KO time is 6pm.

[wolfman]

Men's second round:
China v South Korea 0-3
Qatar v Uzbekistan 0-1
Iran v Malaysia 3-1
Oman v Hong Kong 3-0

[charade_2010]

Thai keeper Kawin to miss match today

GUANGZHOU : The Thai men's football team have been hit by a huge blow as they will be without goalkeeper Kawin Thamasatchanan against Turkmenistan in the second round today.

The highly-rated keeper was injured during training yesterday and is ruled out for the rest of the tournament. He will be replaced by Samuel Cunningham.

Thailand came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Turkmenistan in a warm-up match in Bangkok recently, but national coach Bryan Robson said yesterdaythat most of those who played in that match were fringe players.

The English coach said most of his main players are fit for today's match with Teerasil Dangda and Kirati Keawsombat leading the attack.

If they advance Thailand could meet hot favourites Japan in the quarter-finals and Robson has already got a DVD of Japan in action.

In yesterday's second round, South Korea dealt another blow to Chinese football with an impressive 3-0 win over the hosts.

After struggling into the knockout stages, China were no match for the cultured and talented Koreans who now go on to face Uzbekistan for a place in the semi-finals.

Uzbekistan upset Qatar 1-0 last night with Qatar's Fahad Khalfan missing an open goal from one yard out.

Defending champions Iran beat Malaysia 3-1 to make the quarter-finals where they will face Oman who trounced Hong Kong 3-0.

The Thailand v Turkmenistan match kicks off at 6pm today and will be televised live on Thai TV Channel 9 and NBT (Channel 11).
                                                                   PROBABLE THAILAND LINE-UP

Goalkeeper : Samuel Cunningham
Defenders : Nataporn Phanrit, Panupong Wongsa, Suttinun Phukhom Teeratorn Bunmathan
Midfielders : Datskorn Thonglao, Puritat Jarikanon, Anawin Jujeen, Wichaya Dechmitr
Strikers : Teerasil Dangda, Kirati Keawsombat

[Vinnie]

Halftime, 0-0.

[wolfman]

1-0 win after extra time.

Thailand earned a penalty midway through trhe 2nd half, and managed to miss it.... twice. Kiriti had his shot saved, but the linesman correctly judged the keeper had moved early. Wichaya stepped up for the 2nd attempt and put over the bar. The match finished 0-0, despite Thailand's dominance. Even after 78 minutes, posession was 72%-28% in Thai favour. Goalkeeper Cunningham made his first save around the 70 minute mark.
In extra time, Wichaya's night continued to get worse, as he picked up 2 yellow cards in a matter of minutes, and left the field. Just after the 2nd half of extra time began, Datsakorn slid a through ball for Kiriti to finish from the left corner of the 6-yard box. Thailand's 10 men held on for the last 15 minutes, and will meet Japan in the next round.

[wolfman]

Tonight's other results:
Japan 5-0 India
North Korea 2-0 Vietnam
UAE 2-0 Kuwait

Quarterfinal draw:

A:South Korea v Uzbekistan
B: Iran v Oman
C: UAE v North Korea
D: Thailand v Japan

And on the women's side:
Group A:
Jordan 0-5 South Korea
China 1-0 Vietnam
Group B:
Thailand 0-2 North Korea

Semifinalists are already decided, but last round of matches will determine 1st and 2nd in both groups. (A: South Korea v China, B: North Korea v Japan)

[wolfman]

Thailand v Japan is Friday 19th at 1430.

[charade_2010]

Robson's team next face favourites Japan

GUANGZHOU, CHINA : Thailand overcame a missed penalty and a red card to beat Turkmenistan 1-0 after extra time for a quarter-final spot yesterday.
Kirati Keawsombut scored the winner in the 107th minute after Wichaya Dechmitr was sent off 10 minutes earlier.

It was a night to forget for Wichaya who missed from the spot after 61 minutes.

In the last eight, Thailand face a formidable task against hot favourites Japan who hammered India 5-0.

Thailand and Turkmenistan drew 2-2 in a warm-up match in Bangkok just days before the Asiad with the visitors dominating for long periods.

But Thailand were the better side yesterday. Without their injured goalkeeper Kawin Thammasatchanan, the Thais put on a spirited _ but far from brilliant _ display.

It was one-way traffic in the first half as Thailand created numerous chances and striker Teerasil Dangda in particular failed to find the net.

In the second half, Thailand kept piling pressure on Turkmenistan and was awarded a panalty after 61 minutes.

Anawin Jujeen was adjudged to have been brought down in the area by Amir Gurbani who was booked in the incident.

Wichaya's kick was saved by Rahmanberdi Alyhanov but the referee ordered a re-take because the goalkeeper stepped out of his line before the Thai hit the ball.

The midfielder then slamed his second attempt against the crossbar.

After failing to convert the penalty, Thailand seemed to be discouraged while Turkmenistan became confident.

Turkmenistan had several chances but could not break Thailand's defence.

In extra time, Wichaya handled the ball after it went out and was shown a second yellow card in the 97th minute.

Thailand striker Kirati Keawsombut, No.14, bravely goes for the ball as Turkmenistan goalkeeper Rahmanberdi Alyhanov, left, Maksim Belyh, second left, and Ilya Tamurkin try to defend.

Turkmenistan almost shocked Thailand after 102 minutes when Guvanch Hangeldiyev went clear but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Samuel Chunningham.

Thailand got the winner when a Datsakorn Thonglao pass perfectly found Kirati who sent the ball into the net after 107 minutes.

"I am pleased that we won. But technically, we were not very good today," said Thailand coach Bryan Robson.

He said he would not blame Wichaya for missing from the spot and argued that he should not have been sent off.

About Thailand's next match against Japan, the English coach said: "It will be tough. But if we are well-organised, we will have a chance to beat any team."

Thailand and Japan were joined by North Korea, who edged past Vietnam 2-0, four-time champions Iran, triple winners South Korea, Uzbekistan and Oman.

North Korea will meet the United Arab Emirates who won a bad-tempered clash with local rivals Kuwait 2-0.

The UAE defeated Gulf rivals Kuwait 2-0 with Hamdan Al Kamali, with a 67th-minute penalty, and an Abdulla Bloushi strike three minutes from time securing the win in a bad-tempered game where Kuwait's Mashari Al Azmi was red-carded.

In women's football, Thailand lost 2-0 to defending champions North Korea in the second group game.

The Thais were eliminated after losing 4-0 to Japan in their first match.

Wichaya Dechmitr, right, is sent off after a second bookable offence in extra time.

[Vinnie]

Exciting stuff. The goaline scramble in the second period of extra time was remarkable. They deserved to win just for not conceding in that sitiuation. Very difficult task ahead, but you never know.

[bon-nirnam]

Exciting stuff. The goaline scramble in the second period of exra time was remarkable. They dereved to win just for not conceding in that sitiuation. Very difficult task ahead, but you never know.

I thought the real situation came late during the regulation when Turkmenistan' counter attack
from the left side found the net wide open. But, instead of sending the ball low the misfortune Turk managed to lift the ball up and was deflected by Cunningham's left palm. It could have been all over then. 

But, next game is a new life new experience and for a new purpose in life. 
This is what you live for. To be able to lay it all on the table and to see who can out do who.
We just hope that Thailand players feel and see it that way, for their own sakes.

[Vinnie]

Exciting stuff. The goaline scramble in the second period of exra time was remarkable. They dereved to win just for not conceding in that sitiuation. Very difficult task ahead, but you never know.

I thought the real situation came late during the regulation when Turkmenistan' counter attack
from the left side found the net wide open. But, instead of sending the ball low the misfortune Turk managed to lift the ball up and was deflected by Cunningham's left palm. It could have been all over then.  

But, next game is a new life new experience and for a new purpose in life.  
This is what you live for. To be able to lay it all on the table and to see who can out do who.
We just hope that Thailand players feel and see it that way, for their own sakes.

They need to find a bit more desire and intensity. Most of the performances they've put in under Robson seem to be so flat.

[wolfman]

That was how I felt last night too. They dominated, with Turkmenistan seeming almost to play for penalties from the first minute, but there was no real spark to the Thai attack. Turkmenistan seemed to be sitting back in numbers, but Thailand were exactly getting numbers into the box, and when they did, the options taken weren't great.

[Vinnie]

A quick look at how the other ASEAN teams did. Malaysia and Vietnam both squeezed through the group stage as best third-placed finishers (note that Vietnam lost 2-6 to Turkmenistan in the group stage). Both are now out. Malaysia lost 1-3 to Iran and Vietnam lost 0-2 to North Korea.
Singapore didn't make it through the group stage. They held Qatar to a creditable 0-0 draw in their first game, but then lost 0-2 to Kuwait and 1-4 to India. Not good.

Thailand's next opponents - Japan - have won all four games they have played thus far and have yet to concede a goal. All you could perhaps say is that their 2-0 group stage win against Malaysia was maybe two or three goals lighter than might have been expected, and two of their three goals against Kyrgyztan came from the penalty spot.

And has everyone seen this? What is being described as the 'worst miss in football history'. I can't think of a worse one (Ronnie Rosenthal's famous miss at Villa Park pales into insignificance in comparison). It was a Qatar player against Uzbekistan in the second round. The Uzbeks went on to win 1-0. Ooops!
Just watch it!

http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/videos/54329/the-worst-miss-in-football-history-qatar-striker-misses-open-goal-from-three-yards-out-video.html

[wolfman]

Also, Japan (and South Korea) have picked a virtual U-21 squad, in order that they will still be together for the 2012 Olympics.

And that miss is a shocker. I think it might be time to dig up some long-lost Qatari ancestry  and offer my services as a striker.

[Vinnie]

Also, Japan (and South Korea) have picked a virtual U-21 squad, in order that they will still be together for the 2012 Olympics.

And that miss is a shocker. I think it might be time to dig up some long-lost Qatari ancestry  and offer my services as a striker.

How one-footed must he be to switch feet like that?! He's only a teenager, though. I hope he doesn't get crucified (so to speak) for it.

[bon-nirnam]

Japan:
Their main objectivityy is to get these young lads some international experience heading to Olympic in London.
Only two players from education institutes Kensuke Nagai and Kasuya Yamamura had International match
experiences(one game each). But things are now different for this Japan team as experience they have gained
thus far has all been positive.

However, from a coaching perspective this is a very dangerous schedule for Japan,
a young team heading into a knock out stage facing experienced opponents.
How would Japan react and cope with the pressure of the game had Thailand takes an early lead?

It is  a new territory they haven't been tested. Even experience of trying
the entire half without scoring a goal, a true test of mental toughness that
requires patience, perseverance and 'ultimate  will' they have yet to display them.

I just want to see Thailand play at their best game as you know the local would
be behind them big time, if they bother to go to the game now that China is out of it.

[charade_2010]

Robson backs players for Japan upset

Thailand coach Bryan Robson is confident that his men are good enough to beat hot favourites Japan and reach the semi-finals of the men's football tournament.

The Englishman said yesterday he had watched a DVD of Japan's 3-0 victory over China in the first round and found that the Japanese had a strong attacking game.

As a result, the former England captain is likely to use a defensive 4-5-1 formation to stop Japan's offensive prowess in their quarter-final meeting tomorrow.

"I'm confident that the Thai players will bring out their best and put on a good fight to beat Japan and reach the semi-finals," said Robson.

"We must not be afraid of them."

Goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan has been sent home after breaking his hand during training before their second-round match against Turkmenistan.

Thailand now have only one goalkeeper in Samuel Cunningham who was impressive in Thailand's 1-0 extra-time win over Turkmenistan.

Robson said he would not call up another goalkeeper as Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool who was in his initial 30-man squad is an overaged player. Thailand already have a maximum three overaged players.

Asked what he would do if Samuel gets injured, Robson said defender Panupong Wongsa may have to take the position.

Only Kirati Keawsombat, who scored the winner against Turkmenistan, and Puritat Jarikanon were nursing slight injuries while Wichaya Dechmitr will be suspended after being sent off in the second round.

Wichaya missed from the spot twice against Turkmenistan and looked sad when he joined his team-mates in training yesterday.

Thailand have reached three semi-finals but have not yet won a medal. Officials hope that Robson's men will clinch a historic medal in football for Thailand.

[wolfman]

Sorry Robbo, that doesn't make sense.
Call up another young keeper, and see how he fits into the squad and copes with the experience.

[Vinnie]

However, from a coaching perspective this is a very dangerous schedule for Japan,
a young team heading into a knock out stage facing experienced opponents.
How would Japan react and cope with the pressure of the game had Thailand takes an early lead?

It is  a new territory they haven't been tested. Even experience of trying
the entire half without scoring a goal, a true test of mental toughness that
requires patience, perseverance and 'ultimate  will' they have yet to display them.

I just want to see Thailand play at their best game as you know the local would
be behind them big time, if they bother to go to the game now that China is out of it.

The locals certainly seem to have been getting behind Thailand so far.

It's interesting you wonder how Japan will react if Thailand take an early lead; I'm wondering how Thailand will react in that situation. Panicky defending seems to be the order of the day for Thailand as soon as they take the lead against decent opposition.

[charade_2010]

The red card for Wichaya :
http://www.youtube.com/user/TungstenPalm#p/u/12/LRCotLENdMo
The only goal :
http://www.youtube.com/user/TungstenPalm#p/u/13/8-4i0PWlOK8

[Vinnie]

Channels 7 and 11. Kicks off in 1 hour!!! Come on lads - let's have a bit of fight, please!

[Vinnie]

What a sickener. There was nothing between the teams, Thailand were getting into some really good positions, and Japan go and score right on the stroke of halftime. 1-0 to Japan at HT.

[Vinnie]

Final score 1-0 to Japan. Thailand gave it a real good go and possession was 69/31 in their favour in the 85th minute. Clear-cut chances were at a premium for both sides, though. But some of that urgency and intensity which was lacking in the previous games was on show here.

[binnsy]

Final score 1-0 to Japan. Thailand gave it a real good go and possession was 69/31 in their favour in the 85th minute. Clear-cut chances were at a premium for both sides, though. But some of that urgency and intensity which was lacking in the previous games was on show here.

Not a bad result against the favourites.Some positives for the future?

[Vinnie]

Final score 1-0 to Japan. Thailand gave it a real good go and possession was 69/31 in their favour in the 85th minute. Clear-cut chances were at a premium for both sides, though. But some of that urgency and intensity which was lacking in the previous games was on show here.

Not a bad result against the favourites.Some positives for the future?

It was certainly better than what I was expecting based on what I'd seen in the tournament so far. They were breaking quickly and getting the ball into the box, but that cutting edge which has been lacking for so long was again in evidence.

Also, your boy Kirati went off injured after just ten minutes. So even if he could make it back for Sunday, I don't think he'll be fit.

[lokomotive]

Yes, really a good match. Thailand deserved more .

[charade_2010]

Analysis for anyone who couldn't watch this match :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMfo0514dHc&feature=player_embedded

[druryfire]

A problem that has happened again is that Thailand find it hard to score. Only against Pakistan did we have any luck.

[charade_2010]

Thailand 0-1 Japan

GUANGZHOU: Keigi Higashi's 45th-minute goal gave Japan, whose rock-solid defence has yet to concede a goal at the Asian Games, a 1-0 win over Thailand and a spot in the semi-finals on Friday.

The 20-year-old struck just before half-time, slotting the ball home from close range and past goalkeeper Samuel Cunningham.

Japan, top scorers in the tournament with 14 goals, will face either Oman or former champions Iran in the last four.

"It was a tough match but we are happy because we haven't conceded any goals so far. I feel extremely lucky to have scored the winner," said Higashi.

Thailand, coached by former England skipper Bryan Robson, created most of the pressure in the quarter-final clash but were unable to find the finishing touch.

"It's unfortunate. We were the better team over the 90 minutes," said former Manchester United captain Robson.

"We passed the ball well and got into good positions, but couldn't convert any of our chances."

[wolfman]

I know we all lost interest after Friday's result, but here is how the rest of the tournament panned out.

Women's Semis: Japan 1-0 China (aet), South Korea 1-3 North Korea (aet)
3rd Place: South Korea 2-0 China; Final: Japan 1-0 North Korea

Men's Semis: Japan 2-1 Iran, UAE 1-0 South Korea (aet)
3rd Place: South Korea 4-3 Iran  (after Iran led 2-0 at halftime)
Final: Japan 1-0 UAE

[charade_2010]

A deserved win of Japan ! Double happiness after their ladies took the crown before . Japan has all elements of the champions : Strength , logical way of playing , skill ... and even lucky ! So , I let myself be persuaded although Thailand was defeated by them !