Thailand marched into the semi-finals of the Asean Football Championship with a 1-0 victory over Malaysia in their last Group B match at Suphachalasai Stadium yesterday.

Thailand had the in-form Sarayoot Chaikamdee to thank as the striker extended his goal-scoring streak in the event to three with a headed goal early in the second half which helped the three-time champions secure their qualification as group winners with seven points from three matches.

Despite succumbing to their first defeat in the tournament, formerly known as "Tiger Cup", Malaysia, who made life difficult for the hosts throughout the game with their tenacious performance, squeezed into the next round courtesy the goalless draw between Burma and the Philippines in yesterday's other match.

"It was difficult to play as the fans had high expectations. That put the players under tremendous pressure," said Chanwit Pholchivin, the national team head coach.

"Claiming seven points from three matches is acceptable under the circumstances we were in. We had a short period to prepare the team," said Chanwit, who is not worried about the team's next opponents. "It makes no difference. We will face any team."

A back injury deprived Thailand of their creative force, midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao. However, the Kingdom fielded a relatively strong line-up with evergreen striker Kiartisak "Zico" Senameung, who sat out in the 4-0 rout of the Philippines on Sunday, shrugging off his back pain and taking his place on the field.

Although a draw would have been enough to see them through the next round, Chanwit's side, spurred on by a large number of fans, made known their intention to complete the group stage on a high note by attacking their rivals from the opening whistle.

Despite enjoying the bulk of possession, Thailand found it difficult to make inroads into the visitors' goal. The hosts had to wait until the 20th minute to make their first meaningful effort in the game when Sutee Suksomkit provided a delightful cross to Suchao Nutnum who sent his header harmlessly over the bar.

However, barely seconds later, Thailand almost broke the deadlock from an error in the visitors' defence. The goalkeeper tried to clear the ball from a back pass but it went only as far as to Suchao. The midfielder delivered a cross into the area for Sarayoot who set up Kiartisak with a nice knock-down only for the veteran striker to fire his half-volley shot high over the bar.

Thailand continued to huff and puff but the Malaysian defence held firm under constant pressure. The visitors even threatened to steal an unlikely lead from two decent chances in quick succession when the game just went past the half-hour mark but Thai goalie Kosin Hathairattanakul proved equal to the task. Just before half time, Thailand came even closer to opening the scoring when Kiartisak showed a glimpse of his brilliance by picking Sarayoot out with a defence-splitting pass into the penalty box only for his striking partner to fire straight at the onrushing keeper.

Chanwit's side finally took the lead they richly deserved soon after the restart through Sarayoot who finished off a nice passing move sparked by Pichitpong Choeichiw.

The diminutive midfielder swung the ball to the right side of the box for Suchao who in turn laid it to overlapping Suree Sukha. The right back then presented a glorious opportunity with a pin-point cross for Sarayoot who made no mistake with a downward header into the far post, taking his tally to three goals in the tournament.

Thailand refused to ease off the pace in order to put the game out of sight for the visitors. Kiartisak remained the main threat for the Malaysians and his passing nearly led to the second goal for Thailand. From the right side, the experienced striker floated in a tantalising cross into the six-yard box where Sarayoot connected with a scissors-kick, which sailed agonisingly high over the crossbar.

Kiartisak had a clear-cut chance to get on the scoresheet himself seven minutes from time. Suchao made a strong run from the middle of the park before passing the ball to Kiartisak who dribbled past two defenders to create space for himself inside the area only to see his shot from a promising position whistle out of the frame of the goal.

Despite five minutes of added time, Thailand had no problem in hanging on to their lead as Malaysia never threatened.

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation