BANGKOK (6 Sept 2011) – Thailand picked up their first win in the third round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers when they beat Oman 3-0 as ASEAN neighbours Singapore and Indonesia fell to their second loss in their respective campaign.
The Thais, who were denied 2-1 by Australia a few days ago, were more confident this time round as Sompong Soleb took the lead on 35 minutes before striker Teerasil Dangda then added the second goal for the home team six minutes later.
But despite being comfortable in the lead, the Thais did not let up and some persistent pressure in the second half, saw them getting their third goal of the game deep in injury time – this time off an own goal from Oman’s Rashid Al Farsi.
Singapore’s confidence at the Jalan Besar Stadium was dented when they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Iraq.
The Zico-led side were held scoreless at the break but the AFC Asian Cup champions 2007 soon turned on the power for Alaa Abdul Zahra to grab the lead just four minutes after the restart.
Younis Mahmoud then made sure of the full points for the visiting side with the second goal for Iraq four minutes to the end.
The script was the same for ASEAN neighbour Indonesia where after a goalless first half, the Bahrainis were quick to carve out the lead off Sayed Dhiya Saeed Shubbar just a minute into the second half before Ismaeel Latif completed the win with the second goal in the 71st minute.
The third game of the third round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers will be played on 11 October 2011.
