YANGON (12 Dec 2013) – Thailand hammered Indonesia 4-1 today at the Youth Training Centre here in Yangon to edge closer to a semi-final slot in the men’s football competition of the Myanmar SEA Games.
The Thais, whose win was their second here, were in superb form today and gunned down their opponents with an early goal. “We were lucky to score the early goal,” said Kaittisak Senamuang, the coach of Thailand. “That made it for us where it pushed Indonesia to chase the game.”
Thailand scored the opener in the second minute through Pokklaw Anan. Adisak Kraisorn added a second when he converted a penalty. Thailand’s other goals were netted by praweenwat Boonyong and thitiphan Puangjan in the 51st and 81st minutes.
Indonesia scored a consolation goal in the 90th minute through Andri Ibo.
Indonesia kicked off and maintained possession for about a minute before Thailand took control and crashed into attack.
To the horror of their Indonesians, Thailand’s Adisak Kraisorn let loose a solid spot which caught the keeper off.
Indonesia had to play catch up and tried as they did, they were unable to get very far. Their first chance was blown away by Yohanes Pahabol who did well to squeeze into the box. He beat a few defenders but was slow to shoot.
His miss proved costly as Thailand quickly pushed up and a long cross found Praweenwat Boon Yong who slipped the ball past the keeper.
Yohanes, some five minutes from the break, had a chance to redeem himself. He broke through again but could not get his shot in.
In the 51st minute, Thailand were awarded a penalty when Alfin Ismail brought down Charyl Chappuy just in the box. Praweenwat Boonyong popped it in.
Ten minutes from time, Thailand broke away again and Thitiphan Puangjan side stepped a defender and whipped it the fourth goal of the match.
“We anticipated a fight from Thailand. But they played differently today when compared to their first game,” said Indonesian coach Rahmad Darmawan. “They surprised us.”
