Thailand are still looking for their first-ever victory in these stages of World Cup qualifying but only have themselves to blame for this latest defeat.
Two moments of ill-discipline cost them dear as firstly Puangchan was sent off in the 73rd minute after Thailand had just got back in the game. This was followed by Chalompong foolishly pulling an Iraqui shirt in the box, six minutes from time.
Puangchan had already been shown a yellow card and when he launched into a tackle from behind just outside the area, the ensuing red card was inevitable.
Although Iraq dominated possession, it was Thailand who created the chances in the first-half but the lack of an out and out goalscorer was much in evidence again. Why Thailand can’t produce one is a total mystery.
Iraq took the lead in the 34th minute when the ball was only half-cleared to Meram on the edge of the box and he sent a low first-time shot into the corner of the net.
Thailand got back on level terms in the 66th minute when a deep left-wing cross was volleyed back across goal by Do and Ibrahim stuck out a leg to divert the ball into his own net.
Then came Puangchan’s moment of madness before Abdul-Amir’s cool penalty wrapped things up for Iraq in the 86th minute. Thailand were visibly upset by the decision but the referee was 100% correct , it was a clear shirt-pull and he had no alternative but to award the spot-kick.
Before the penalty was taken, Buriram’s Supachok came on to make his international debut and hopefully he will make the starting line-up in the final game in Australia on September 5.
One strange thing that was noticed last night is that neither side had the players’ names on the back of their shirts. Any clues ?