Thailand U23 played resiliently against Saudi Arabia. Photo: FAT.
Against a more highly rated opponent, Thailand U23 chose a defensive counter-attack. “War Elephants” played humbly but only needed a situation to change status to score the opening goal in the 11th minute. Teerasak Poeiphimai, the striker wearing the Port shirt, bravely broke through to eliminate the defender before taking a shot. coldly into the near corner, down the goalkeeper.
After the goal, U23 Saudi Arabia continued to push up the squad and chose the right wing as the main attack direction. After many attempts to stop the wall, including a shot that hit the bar, the Middle East representative also got an equalizer from Mohamed Marran’s header effort in the 23rd minute.
In the rest of the first half, Thailand U23 played quite confidently. Coach Issara Sritaro’s army did not hold many balls but constantly made it difficult for the Saudi defense with the speed and power of Poeiphimai.
The Southeast Asian representative has two more clear table opportunities, both of which belong to Poeiphimai. However, No. 8 could not score more goals, even though the Saudi Arabia goal was wide open.
Thailand U23 impressed in counterattack situations, but on the defensive front, the red shirt defenders showed weakness with defensive situations. In the 48th minute, Saudi Arabia increased the score to 2-1, continuing from a cross. Midfielder Rayan Hamed did not encounter any obstacles before hitting the net “War Elephants”.
The second goal made the game out of control of Thailand. Saudi Arabia pushed the pressing formation so that the opponent could not get on the ball. Under pressure from the opponent, captain Airfan Doloh played poorly and was replaced early. U23 Thailand plays poorly and can only rely on Teerasak Poeiphimai’s ability to dash. In the rare opportunity to approach the goal in the 72nd minute, No. 8 hesitated, causing the opportunity to pass unfortunately.
U23 Saudi Arabia dominated the game in the second half but suddenly collapsed in a fixed ball when the match was only in seconds. In the next turn, Saudi Arabia will meet Kuwait.
Tuan Nguyen | 05:05 23/03/2023
