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Published on December 3, 2007

Thailand's soccer team survived a nervy last quarter to edge

out a fighting Burma 3-2 in their opening Group A match yesterday.

With this win, Thailand are second in the group, level on points with Indonesia who secured a 3-1 over Cambodia. They next face the Cambodians tomorrow.

Thailand's preparation for the tournament had been dogged by the players' club commitments. The fact that the domestic just ended last week meant the players had only a short training stint.

The home team's poor preparation was apparent in the initial stages as players looked far from cohesive, with the visitors seemingly getting the better of the opening exchanges. However, the Thais appeared more of a threat as the game wore on.

Despite seeing more of the ball, the hosts struggled to create openings. However, when they managed to create their first meaningful attack, it almost brought them a breakthrough.

Defender Prat Samakraj sent a delightful pass over the visitors' rearguard which put Teerasil Daengda in a one-on-one situation. The striker tried to evade the challenge by the onrushing goalkeeper but was then sent sprawling to the ground. However, the referee denied what appeared a penalty.

In the 24th minute, the hosts had another golden opportunity when the Burmese could only half clear a cross from the right.

Teerasil sent a spectacular bicycle kick on target but the goalie denied him with an excellent reflex save. The hosts opened the scoring on the stroke of half time from a swift passing move.

The ball was spread on the right side to the lively Teerasil and the forward delivered a tantalising cross to his partner Teeratep Winothai, who made the most of a slip by his marker with a neat finish.

The home side picked up from where they left off in the second half.

Just after the restart, they nearly went two up when Inthipol Phoonsap cleared the bar from a promising position inside the box.

However, the second goal was not long in coming as seven minutes later Wuthichai Thathong leaped above

the Burmese defence to plant a firm header into the back of the net.

The game appeared sealed for the hosts after they managed to score their third goal as a Teerasil shot took a deflection off a defender before nestling in the net.

Despite the visitors rattling the hosts with two late goals, the home team managed to hold on to their one-goal advantage.

Meanwhile, Thailand's women team got off to a winning start trouncing Malaysia 6-0 in a Group B match.