THAIS FALTER TO SAUDIS IN FRIENDLY

With the Thais already out of contention in the World Cup qualifiers, the Saudis are using the match as a test before they face DPR Korea next week.

But with three key players – captain Datsakorn Thonglao, Sutee Suksomkit and Teerathep Winothai – absent, the game was always going to be tough for the Thais even though they held off the Saudis for long periods.

Thai keeper Kosin Hathairattanakool was in his element as he made sure that the score stood all even at the end of a pulsating first half.

In the end though, persistent Saudi pressure paid off in the 62nd minute when Mohammed Al Shalhoub Bandar slammed home the lead, before Ibrahim Autef Abdoh added the second goal for the Saudis three minutes later.

Thai striker Teerasil Dangda pulled a goal back for Thailand in the closing stages.