Pipat double puts Thailand on top

BANGKOK: Striker Pipat Tongkanya scored twice in eight minutes to lift hosts Thailand to a convincing 2-0 win over Oman and top spot in Asian Cup Group A yesterday.

Pipat combined with fellow substitute Teerathep Winothai in the 70th and 78th minutes to give the Thais a well-earned victory.

The goals came after 69 minutes of relentless Thai attacking, with the Omanis, who drew 1-1 with tournament favorites Australia yesterday, rarely looking dangerous.

Thailand had the best of the early action and came close on 19 minutes when Sutee Suksomkit's pass flashed across the face of the goal and fell short of the onrushing Kiatisak Senamuang.

It threatened again six minutes later when playmaker Datsakorn Thonglao's lofted pass found Therdsak Chaiman, who headed wide.

Therdsak found himself in space again close to halftime, latching on to Nattaporn Phanrit's pass down the right and blasting the ball into the side netting from a tight angle.

Oman had numerous bookings and few chances but could have gone ahead near the interval when Fawzi Bashir rounded Nattaporn before shooting well wide.

The Thais wasted a golden opportunity to score right after halftime when Kiatisak squared the ball to the unmarked Tawan Sripan, who fired wide with men in space.

The crowd had their hearts in the mouths when Ahmad Halid's speculative free kick from near the halfway line went through to keeper Kosin Haithairrattanakool, who tipped the ball on to the crossbar.

The win put Thailand on four points, three ahead of Iraq and Australia which meet today in the next Group A game.

Agencies

(China Daily 07/13/2007 page24)