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Published on August 18, 2007

Thailand, who never finished better than sixth place in their previous three appearances, produced a result that at one stage looked beyond them.

 The home team, still smarting from the suspension of three of their players following a melee in the quarter-final tie against Mexico, found the going tough against the Canadians, the same opponents whom they defeated 4-1 at the group stage.

Canada not only made life difficult for the Thai team but also threatened to spoil an historic day for the hosts when Mark Korthius put them in front with a clinical finish three minutes after the interval.

However, Aekapan Intasen did not allow any twist to the story with a fine solo goal after wriggling past defend?ers and finishing with aplomb in the 71st minute.

Thailand had their own chances to win the match in the normal time, with Anon Sangsanoi coming closest in the dying minutes, but the striker fired over from just eight yards.

In the shoot-out, the Gods seemed to favour the home team. Canada's Steven Frazao turned out to be the villain for his side when he kicked straight into goalie Chatchai Bootprom hands, leaving the stage for Anon, the fifth penalty-taker, to secure the bronze medal for the hosts.

The Thai team's co-managers, Juta Tingsapat and Tawatchai Sajjakul, were overwhelmed by their side's achievement.

"I thought we should have won the game in regular time.

"We played a really good game and our boys fought all the way," said Tawatchai, who gave credit to Juta and veteran coach Samrerng Chaiyong for the success.

Though the team wrote history with a bronze, Juta was disappointed at not reaching the final. He was still bitter about the 2-1 loss to Ukraine, who won a last-gasp thriller on Wednesday.

"I'm very proud of my boys. They brought joy to the fans. I would have been much happier if we were in the final. The bronze is a consolation but my team deserved more," said Juta.

In the final, Ukraine upset Italy 1-0 to clinch the gold medal.