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Published on August 10, 2007

Having scored an unexpected 4-1 victory over Canada on Tuesday, the hosts knew a win over the European side would guarantee them a place in the next round. They not only achieved that but did it in style, leaving even the home crowd impressed with the effortlessness of their victory. Heavy rains ahead of the match rendered the field slippery, but the home side quickly established a foothold in the game. In the 25th minute, the Irish defenders were left staring at each other after striker Sompong Sorlarp, inexplicably unmarked, put the hosts ahead with a diving header off a Kittipong Paphunag free-kick from the right.

The Thai students continued to hold an upper hand in the second half and just before the hour mark they increased their lead. Anont Sangsanoi, the two-goal hero in the first match, latched onto substitute Wuthichai Thathong's diagonal pass and sent a rasping shot into the top far corner.

Eleven minutes from time, the Irish goalkeeper was again left rooted to the spot as Aekapan Intasen scored with a well-struck drive to cap a fine afternoon for the hosts.

Team manager Tawatchai Sajjakul said yesterday's result proved that the win over the Canadians was not a fluke.

"This victory showed that we are really good. It also proved that luck was not a factor in our success in the opening match. We can compete with any team. No matter whom we face in the quarter-finals, I think we can make it through to the last four," a beaming Tawatchai said.

Jutha Tingsaphat, the team co-manager, said if he could choose opponents from Group D that his team would face in the last eight, he would prefer Mexico rather than Britain.

Meanwhile, the Thai women's soccer team was unable to follow in the footsteps of the men as they succumbed to their second straight defeat, following the 4-0 reverse to Germany in their Group B match.