AFC Asian Cup - Bahrain 0 Thailand 1 - Match Report
Thailand bounce back from opening game defeat to edge out Bahrain 1-0
Mitch Freeley
Chanathip Songkrasin struck the only goal as Thailand made light of being under interim management with a 1-0 Asian Cup victory over Bahrain in Dubai on Thursday.
Having been thrashed 4-1 by India in their opening Group A fixture on Sunday, Thailand promptly sacked head coach Milovan Rajevac and placed Sirisak Yodyadthai in temporary charge.
And they bounced back in style at Al Maktoum Stadium as Songkrasin's well-taken effort shortly before the hour reignited their campaign and secured just a second win in 22 matches in the competition.
Bahrain, who have just a point to show from their two outings following Saturday's 1-1 draw with hosts United Arab Emirates, had the better of a dour first half and perhaps could have been awarded a penalty when Teerasil Dangda appeared to block Sayed Dhiya Saeed's free-kick with his arm.
Mohamed Al Romaihi wastefully headed over at close range from Mohamed Marhoon's delivery shortly before the interval - a miss Bahrain were made to regret.
Tristan Do was superbly released down the right by Adisak Kraisorn and his deflected cross fell perfectly for Songkrasin to smash home from 10 yards.
Thailand goalkeeper Sivarak Tedsungnoen saved brilliantly from Ali Jaafar Madan inside the six-yard box to preserve his side's lead soon afterwards.
That advantage was almost extended 18 minutes from time as Songkrasin played in Kraisorn, who struck the base of the post, but it mattered little as Thailand held on to give their chances of reaching the last 16 a huge boost.
Goals
Goal! Thailand take the lead! Chanathip Songkrasin times his run perfectly and smashes the ball into the back of the net!
Live Updates
Preamble
Thailand looked abject at times against India, and they will really need to improve if they are to make it out of the group! Will new boss Sirisak Yodyardthai inspire the side today? We are ten minutes away from kick-off!
Look who turned up to watch the Asian Cup yesterday! Who else but the original Ronaldo! I wonder which start from football past will crop up today?
Guess who? #AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/ri0oOjcngC — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 9, 2019
Right! Team News! Keep an eye out for Bahrain attacker Mohamed Al Romaihi, he scored the first goal of the tournament and will be eager to add to his tally. As for Thailand, Suphan Thongsong comes into the side and seems like new coach Sirisak Yodyardthai is going with a very attacking 3-4-1-2 formation.
📝 🇧🇭 Bahrain 🆚 Thailand 🇹🇭
Here's how both teams lineup for today's game.#AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/pvXoFaSM29 — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 10, 2019
Good afternoon! Welcome to the Live Updates of Bahrain Vs Thailand. We are heading into the second round of group games, and it's getting interesting in Group A. Thailand have it all to do after promptly sacking boss Milovan Rajevac following their 4-1 opening game defeat to India. As for Bahrain, they gained a creditable 1-1 draw against hosts UAE. Join me for all the build up in Dubai including team news, Live Match commentary and goals as they go in!
