LESSONS FOR OTHER ASEAN HOSTS

In the match which was affected by heavy rain at the Rajamangala Stadium, Thailand’s converted penalty from Sutee Suksomkit in the sixth minute was cancelled out by Younis Mahmoud’s header in the 32nd minute for the final scoreline.

But in spite of the one point in their first Group A match, Thailand head coach Chanvit Phalajivin was not complaining.

“I’m pleased with the result because the conditions of the pitch made it difficult for us to play a more fluid game,” said Phalajivin afterwards.

“The difference in the second half was because we played with more intensity. In the first half we were too tense but we played better after the break.

“The one disappointing aspect of our play today was that we did play too well defensively. We lost a goal to the long ball from Iraq and it was disappointing.”

The heavy downpour prior to the match did not only affect the quality of the game but also on attendance.

But it is likely that from the first fine showing of Thailand in their first game of the Asian Cup 2007, their next match against Oman on Thursday will see better support.

Vietnam will open their campaign in Group B later tonight (local time 1935) at the My Dinh Stadium.

Asean other hosts Indonesia will take on Bahrain in Group D on Tuesday (local time1720) at the Stadium Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta while Malaysia – playing in Group C – will entertain China later the same day (local time 2035) at the Stadium Nasional in Kuala Lumpur.

PIC: Thai players in celebratory mood after scoring the first goal of the Asian Cup 2007.