Thailand got the point they needed to top Group F in the World Cup Qualifying second round following a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Iraq in Tehran. They now move forward to the third round where they will be joined by the other seven group winners plus the four best runners-up. Two leagues of six teams will be formed and countries will play each other home and away. The two top teams from each group will then go to the finals in Russia in 2018. Thailand face a monumental task to qualify but it is a great opportunity to show the world the progress they are making.
Iraq knew they needed a victory in order to top the group and started brightly, stretching the Thai defence on a number of occasions. However, Thailand weathered the storm and gradually came more into the game. Indeed, they stunned Iraq in the thirty-ninth minute when Theerathon’s left-wing corner was headed into the net by Mongkol.
They held their lead until the sixty-seventh minute when Kiawin failed to hold a low shot and Kamil was quickest to react by smashing the ball into the empty net. Iraq pushed forward in search of a winner but the Thai defence held firm. Four minutes from time, Theerathon’s right-wing free-kick hit an Iraqui defender on the head and looped up before falling perfectly for substitute Adisak to turn past the despairing keeper.
So Iraq needed to score twice but Thailand held out until the last kick of the game when Koravit turned a left-wing cross into his own net as he attempted to clear. It was harsh on the Buriram full-back who hadn’t put a foot wrong all night. But no matter, it was Thailand’s night and they sit proudly on top of their group.