Thailand beaten 1-0

Written by Writer on Monday, November 10th, 2008

Thailand beaten 1-0

TOR CHITTINAND

Peter Reid suffered his first defeat as Thailand’s national coach on Saturday when Saudi Arabia beat the kingdom 1-0 in a friendly at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh.

Thailand’s defence held out well against the Asian powerhouses until the 64th minute, when Saudi substitute Hazazi headed home the sole goal of the game.

Thailand were down to 10 men for the last 20 minutes of the game after Surat Sukha received a second yellow.

Despite the defeat Reid said he was pleased with the team’s performance.

”The lads put in a lot of effort and played well,” he said. ”They didn’t give the Saudis many chances. I would give them seven out of 10 for that performance.”

Saudi Arabia are regarded as one of the strongest teams in Asia and are hoping to qualify for their fifth straight World Cup.

It is believed the match was arranged to help smooth relations between the two countries which have been harmed by the Saudi gems scandal nearly two decades ago.

Bangkok Post
Monday November 10, 2008