Goal.com
31 December 2007
Change edition
29/12/2007 16:16
Thailand Win King’s Cup Narongchai Vachiraban’s goal was enough to help his side beat Iraq 1-0 in the King’s Cup final on Saturday.

The midfielder scored a brilliant second-half free kick to help the hosts clinch their 13th title in the 38-year history of the King’s Cup. The tournament is named in honour of the kingdom’s revered monarch Bhumibol Adulyadej, who turned 80 early December.  

Iraq custodian Dydar Hassan could only stand and watch – as Narongchai’s brilliantly struck effort in the 65 minute bulged the top right hand corner from 20 metres. His goal sparked off wild celebrations from spectators at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.  

Thailand coach Charnwit Polcheewin is pleased with the victory, stating that it was good preparation for their upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign in February.  

"It was a difficult match, but we worked hard on our set pieces and it paid off," he said.  

"Iraq were good as a team as well as individuals, but four wins from four against teams outside of Southeast Asia shows we are making the step up."  

Although Iraq were missing several players from their Asian Cup squad, there was ample quality in attack on display. Striker Salah Hasan Alkhafaji was a handful for the Thai backline.  

Keeper Kosin Hatthairattankul had to deny Alkhafaji three times in the opening eight minutes – with a goal disallowed by the Thai referee for offside a few minutes after the break.  

While Thailand’s Surayud Chaikamdee and Teerathep Winothai failed to find the net, the duo constantly threatened the Iraq defence in the match. Their pressure eventually earned Thailand the free kick, after Suchao Nutnam was fouled. Narongchai made no mistake to help his country to victory.  

 Iraqi coach Akram Salman, standing in for Norwegian Egil Olsen, said his young charges, selected from the domestic league, had performed admirably.  

"I brought them here to prepare them for international football and they did very well," he said.  

"We could have scored five goals in the first half and we had a goal wrongly disallowed. That was a great goal, but we are in Thailand and it was Thailand's victory today."

Iraq will kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against China on February 6 next year.

Samuel Zhang