EARLY GOAL-RUSH SPARKS THAI ROUT

The Thais netted five goals in the first half and reeled in another eight goals after the break to convincingly claim the top spot in the group by virtue of a far superior goal difference compared to hosts Myanmar, who had defeated Singapore 3-0 in an earlier match here today.

It’s a known fact that Thailand are in good form as they are preparing for the SEA Games in Korat later this year, but the manner in which they demolished their opponents today must have sent shivers down the spines of their rivals.

For Laos, today’s match turned out to be a baptism of fire. Competing in their first ever international women’s football tournament, Laos were here for the experience and were simply overwhelmed by the skillfull Thais.

“We knew it would be tough for us, Thailand are no.33 in the FIFA rankings. We expected to lose but this was our first time, we were here to learn, if we do not start now we never will. Today’s match showed just how inexperienced our players were,” said coach Xeunsavanh Sivisay. “We are preparing the team for the SEA Games Laos will host in 2009.”

And it was clearly their lack of experience which saw them crumble after only six minutes. Chidtawan Chawong smashed her side ahead and doubled the score eight minutes later. It sparked a rout that extended into the second half.

Nisa Romyen netted the first hattrick here with goals in the 48th, 66th and 72nd minutes while Pitsamai Sornsai completed the second with strikes in the 22nd, 75th and 86th. The other goals were netted by Annotsara Maijarern (23rd, 60th), Suphaporn Kaeobaen (37th, 55th), Sukunya Peangthem (90th).

Laos picked up a goal when striker Souphavanh Phayvanh broke through the Thai defence in the 70th minute.

“The scoreline was really overwhelming. We expected to beat Laos but never by this margin,” said Thai head coach Chana Yodprang after the match.

“But it was a good start in a group which also has hosts Myanmar and Singapore.”

THAILAND: Surachat Metta, Darut Changplook, Thidarat Wiwasikhu, Duangnapa Sritala, Wilaiporn Boothduang, Junpen Seesraum, Chidtawan Chawong, Pitsamai Sornsai, Siriporn Mungkhala, Suphaporn Kaeobaen, Anootsara Maijarern

LAOS: Hongthong Choulapanh, Soutdaoloung Phasiri, Ting Sengmany, Souchitta Phonhalath, Noum Angmahongsa, Lasoy Vongviseth, Souphavanh Phayvanh, Johnny Sayasanh, Dalaphone Manilath, Sangvan Inthasvong (C), Lavair Theintham

PIC: THAILAND (in blue) against LAOS (in red)