Thailand need only one point from their final two qualifying matches to reach the next round of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup after a superb 3-0 victory over Vietnam in Hanoi. In fact such is Thailand’s superior goal difference, they are through now, barring soccer suicide.
Brilliant strikes by Kroekrit and Theerathon,added to an own goal, gave the Thais a thoroughly deserved victory. Vietnam knew nothing but a win would do and they took the game to Thailand in the early stages.
However, Thailand’s defence was solid and they always looked dangerous on the break. The deadlock was broken in the thirtieth minute with a stunning strike from Kroekrit. A foray down the left saw the ball laid back to the midfielder some thirty-five yards out.
Kroekrit switched the ball to his left-foot before sending a screamer into the top left corner of the net, giving the keeper no chance. A wonderful,wonderful strike !
Vietnam tried to get back into the game but Thailand always looked in control. After the interval the Thais always looked the more likely to score,and so it proved when they increased their lead in the fifty-sixth minute.
Another incisive move down the left saw a lovely low cross come in from the left. It had taken out the keeper and a despairing defender could only turn the ball into his own net as he ran towards his own goal. Had he not played the ball it would have been put in by an unmarked attacker from only five yards.
Thailand wrapped things up with an unbelievable team goal in the sixty-ninth minute. Incredibly intricate one-touch passing on the edge of the area ended with a delicate back-heel which found Theerathon who coolly curled the ball into the far-corner of the net.
It was football of the highest quality and hopefully will be screened all over the world.As previously stated Thailand are virtually certain to progress to the next round where there will be two groups of six teams playing each other home and away with the top two from each group heading for Russia in 2018.
It’s no dream but there is a LONG, HARD road ahead. However, Thailand have a genuine chance and with this football-mad country behind them, who knows ?