Sompong hat-trick helps Thailand thrash Cambodia

The Thai players gave their counterparts red roses as a symbolic gesture of friendship amidst the political tensions between the two countries.

Attempting to put behind them the disappointing 1-1 draw in the tough opener against Vietnam two days ago, Thailand's strategy was to stay cool under pressure. It worked: chasing their ninth consecutive title defence, they overpowered the opposition with three goals in the first 45 minutes.

The porous Cambodian defence faced an onslaught from the physically superior Thai side and conceded their first goal of the competition in the 19th minute. Arthit Sunthornphit's cross from the left was headed home from close range by the talented Sompong, who gave Cambodian keeper Samrith Seiha no chance at all. Cambodia fought for possession in midfield but with the influential Khim Borey tightly marked, there wee few openings for an equaliser.

Thailand bided their time before delivering the killer blow with two quick goals just before the break.

The first was almost identical to the opener but this time Arthit's cross was put away by striker Kirati Keawsombut. Seconds later, Sompong grabbed his second of the afternoon when he blasted in from close range after pouncing on a cross into the box from Theerathon Bunmathon.

Four minutes after the restart, Cambodia's fate was sealed when Sompong found himself free in the box and slotted a controlled shot inside the post to complete his hat-trick. Comfortably in front, the Thais stepped off the gas to allow Cambodia more space. But with their defence being sturdy as it is, Thailand were in no danger of being caught out.

A missed penalty in the 62nd minute from Arthit and a yellow for Kiatprawut Saiwaeo (time wasting) failed to douse the upbeat mood in the Thai camp as they strolled towards all three points.

However, the action was far from over. In the 88th minute Apipu Suntornpanavej clashed with a Cambodian player, resulting in a brawl. After punches were exchanged, the referee showed a second yellow to Kirati, meaning he will miss Thailand's date with Timor Leste on Tuesday through suspension.

After the match, Thailand's English head coach Steve Darby said he was happy with the victory despite a display that lacked energy.

"I think we played a sluggish game today because we were without two key players - Sutthinan Pukhom and Teerasil Dangda. Still, I'm glad to get three points," said Darby.

"The only dissatisfaction was the suspension. However, I don't want to talk about the fight. The Indian referee did a good job."

Meanwhile, the Thai women's soccer team got off to an extraordinary start when the defending champions showed no mercy to Malaysia, crushing them 14-0 in their first Group A match of the SEA Games, while hosts Lao salvaged a 1-1 tie against Burma.