Any lingering hopes of a football miracle were comprehensively dispelled as Saudi Arabia easily brushed aside a lack-lustre Thailand in their latest World Cup qualifier. Perhaps the scoreline was a little harsh on Thailand who were much improved in the second-half but the reality is the Saudis were always in control.
The Thai defence again looked vulnerable to quick counter attacks and this preoccupation of playing three at the back in this country astounds me. There is nothing wrong with playing 4-4-2 just because it is an “old” system. You fit the system to the players at your disposal,not the other way round.
Saudi Arabia looked threatening from the off and the only surprise was that it took them 26 minutes to take the lead. When the goal came, a ball over the top caught the Thai defence flat and no-one picked up Al Sahlawi’s run .The striker then calmly chested the ball down before hammering a low shot into the net.
Thailand huffed and puffed without really creating anything with Teerasil up front committing too many fouls. Siroch was full of running and was unlucky to see a curling effort flash past the post after showing great skill on the ball to create the chance for himself.
Chanathip was well-shackled in the first-half but did come into the game more in the second period as Thailand upped the pace and pushed the Saudi’s back. A few half-chances were created but wasted. The introduction of Adisak brought more life to the Thai attack (wish he was still at Buriram!) but the game was over in the 83rd minute when Kesarat unfortunately turned a left-wing cross into his own net.
Saudi Arabia rubbed salt in the wounds in stoppage time when another quick break down the left saw Al Moasher left with an easy finish from close range.
Next up is a trip to Japan on Tuesday March 28 to face a Japanese team hungry for points. It will be a test, that’s for sure.