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Published on February 1, 2008

The Thais, who looked under pressure throughout the game, saw many of their shots missing the target just by inches. Brazil took the lead in the Group B game after seven minutes following a counter-attack in which Junior comfortably scored after some neat work by Paulo Henrique Santos.

The Thais should have been on level terms in the 13th minute, but a shot by Anucha Manchareon, who returned after a two-match suspension,  deflected off the post.

Junior blasted his second goal a minute later with good help from the tricky Paulo Henrique Santos. Junior and William Alves Morias scored in the 35th and 37th minutes to seal the victory for Brazil.

"We were very good in a defensive game today. Thailand produced many opportunities, but our goalkeeper was on top of everything," said Brazil head coach Paulo Cesar De Oliveira.

Thai coach Pattaya Piemkum added: "Both teams made mistakes in a defensive game, but the Brazilians finished better. We hope our boys will provide Iran a tough match and go one better."

In Group A, Argentina eased past Indonesia 6-0, with Cristian Borruto and Alamiro Vaporaki both scoring hat-tricks. Australia routed Malaysia 7-0 in the other tie.

 Somporn Suphop

 The Nation

Kuala Lumpur