LATE PATIPARN STRIKE SAVES THE DAY FOR THAIS

The score at the end of the first half was scoreless with both teams playing it tight at the back before the red card on Kim Kum-il in the 76th minute for a tussle against Datsakorn Thonglao opened up the game somewhat.

The cross from Teerathep Winothai (pic) deep in injury time was slammed into the Korean goal with head coach Peter Reid admitting afterwards that there was an element of luck to their win.

“We saved some good shots and were lucky to score at the end of the match,” said the former England international.

“North Korea is a strong team and I told the players to concentrate and we got the right result.

“However, there are several things that I am not very pleased about and which will need some work on the training ground.”

Thailand’s next match will be against hosts Vietnam on Saturday – after the latter’s match against DPR Korea on Thursday.

The T&T Cup has been reduced to just three participating teams following the withdrawal of Uzbekistan.