Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Thailand U-23 national team beat Iraq in the group stage match 2024 U-23 Asian Cup at Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, Tuesday (16/4) evening Indonesian time.
The match was quite fierce and balanced. Iraq, which took the initiative to attack at the start of the match, could not continue the moment because Thailand could defend well and build troublesome attacks.
Iraq had a chance through Salem Ahmed in the 22nd minute, but it was Thailand who changed the score in the 26th minute.
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A clever pass from Erawan Garnier was not wasted by Waris Choolthong who ran from behind and met the ball in the penalty box. A simple flick by Choolthong found the back of Hussein Hasan’s goal.
Thailand’s goal forced Iraq to make substitutions. Ali Jassim and Muntadher Mohammed came on to provide a breakthrough on the Iraqi front line.
The presence of these two players made a difference on Iraq’s front line, but the goals never came.
After the break, Iraq continued to dominate the possession of the ball, which was rolling around in the Thai playing area.
In the 60th minute, Ali Jassim’s free kick hit the posse, the ball swerved but Rakyaart, who had been fooled, didn’t stop. The Thailand U-23 captain showed good reflexes and was able to parry the ball.
Five minutes later, a Thai corner kick from Choolthong was headed by Teerasak Poeiphimai. The young team of the War Elephant squad led 2-0.
Like falling down a ladder, Iraq, who were two goals behind, had to play with 10 men after Nihad Mohammed received a second yellow card after tackling Songwut Kraikruan in the 71st minute.
This is the fourth match that resulted in a red card from the five matches that have taken place in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup.
Losing the number of players did not make Iraq lose its enthusiasm for scoring goals. Iraq looked like it could dominate, and Thailand chose to counterattack. Muntadher Mohammed got a chance in the 80th minute, but the ball he headed was saved by Rakyart.
Thailand won 2-0 until the match ended and scored three points in the first match at the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup.
Iraq vs Thailand Core Player Lineup in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup:
Irak U-23: Hussein Hasan; Mustafa Saadoun, Zaid Tahseen, Joseph Al Imam, Karrar Saad; Karrar Mohammed Ali, Zaid Ismael; Nihad Mohammed, Ali Al Mosawe, Muntadher Abdulameer; Salem Ahmed
Thailand U-23: Soponwit Rakyart; Waris Choolthong, Songwut Kraikruan, Buaphan, Warinthon Jamnongwat; Seksan Ratree, Chitsanuphong Choti; Erawan Garnier, Thodsanit, Suvannaseat; Guntapon Keereeleang.
[Gambas:Video CNN]
(nva/nva)