Co-hosts Thailand topped Asian Cup Group A after stunning Oman 2-0
in Bangkok on Thursday.
Substitute Pipat Tongkanya scored twice in the second half to
put one foot of the hosts into the knock-out stage.
Thailand launched relentless attacks since the very beginning of
the duel and got the reward on 70 minutes when Tongkanya stormed
into the box and sent a nice right cross home.
In the 78th minute, in-form Tongkanya thrust into the box again
to pick up a precise head pass. No hesitation, he made a low flash
shot to seal the crucial victory for the hosts.
Thailand, who tied Iraq 1-1 in the tournament's opener on
Saturday, collected four points and two-goal advantage to top the
group so far.
Oman, who drew 1-1 with hot favorites Australia on Sunday,
rarely looked dangerous in the match and created few
opportunities.
In Group B, Sebastian Quintana salvaged a 1-1 draw for Qatar for
the second straight game, heading home 11 minutes from time as the
Middle Eastern side held co-hosts Vietnam at My Dinh Stadium.
(Xinhua News Agency July 13, 2007)
