THAIS BEAT LEBANON IN KING’S CUP MATCH

The losing finalist of last month’s AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 had goals from striker Teerasil Dangda in the 12th minute and midfielder Suchao Nutnum (22nd minute) to thank for the win as Lebanon hit back off Mahmoud El Ali in the 50th minute for the final scoreline.

Peter Reid, the head coach for Thailand said the match was tough as the homesters played well in the first half but ran out of steam in the second half.

He also admitted that his players should not have gotten involved in the brawls with several harsh tackles from both sides and mass brawls as play was delayed twice in the closing stages of the tie.

“We must not lose concentration in a game. I will talk to the players about this,”’ said the Englishman.

Thailand got off to a lively start in a one-sided first half.

The home team took the lead in the 12th minute when Teerasil received a pass from captain Datsakorn Thonglao and tricked three Lebanon defenders to slot the ball home.

Datsakorn was again the provider when his header met Suchao who sent the ball past Lebanon goalkeeper Elias Freije in the 22nd minute.

It was a different story in the second half as the visitors cut the deficit five minutes after the interval with a well-taken volley by El Ali.

The visitors were the better side in the second half and had numerous scoring chances as the Thais looked out of sorts.

In the first match of the tournament, Denmark defeated DPR Korea 1-0 with Soren Rieks hitting the winner after 21 minutes.

Tomorrow, Thailand meet Denmark in the final at 7pm (local time) and DPR Korea take on Lebanon in the third-place play-off at 4pm.