SOCCER / 2010 WORLD CUP ASIAN QUALIFIER
Chanvit blames loss on snowy weather
TOR CHITTINAND
Saitama, Japan _ Asian powerhouses Japan proved too strong for Thailand, defeating the Kingdom 4-1 in their opening 2010 World Cup qualifier yesterday. In freezing conditions a spirited Thailand did well in the first half holding the home side to a 1-1 draw at the interval after striker Teerathep Winothai's fierce long-range shot cancelled out midfielder Yasuhito Endo's superb curling free-kick.
The Japanese, who were booed off at halftime by a crowd of 35,000, returned strongly in the second half and found the net three times.
The temperature at kickoff was just two degrees Celsius and snow fell throughout the match.
Japan and Thailand are in Group B of Asia's last 20 teams of World Cup qualification along with Oman and Bahrain. The top two sides from each of the five group advancing to the final qualifying stage.
Thailand were without several key players including right-back Suree Sukha and midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao, who were suspended, and centre-backs Kiatprawut Saiwaew and Prat Samakrat, who were injured.
Before a sell-out crowd at Saitama stadium, Japan dominated for long periods in the first half but could not break Thailand's well-organised defence.
But the Japanese went in front after 21 minutes when Endo curled in a 30-yard free-kick after midfielder Narongchai Vachiraban conceded a free-kick.
However, Thailand stunned the home side by equalising right after the re-start when Teerathep smashed a shot past Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi from the edge of the box.
Japan regained the lead 10 minutes after the interval when striker Yoshito Okubo prodded home from close range after a clearance by Narongchai fortuitously ricocheted into his path.
Narongchai completed his miserable day when he was sent off after receiving a second yellow card before defender Yuji Nakazawa gave Japan a 3-1 lead after 66 minutes.
Substitute Seiichiro Maki added a fourth in injury time, stooping to head in a corner at the back post and give the scoreline a slightly flattering look.
Thailand lost to Japan by the same scoreline when they last met in the 2004 Asian Cup in China.
Thailand coach Chanvit Phalajivin said it was unfortunate that he lost several key players particularly Kiatprawut and Prat as he was forced to use inexperienced defenders.
''The turning point of this match was the second goal we conceded. We let the Japanese score too early in the second half. We also had to play with 10 men,'' he said.
Chanvit also blamed the cold weather and snow which affected his team's passing game.
''The wet pitch made it difficult for us to control the game. It was a difficult situation for us,'' he said.
Chanvit said Japan were a good team and had several good players. However, he believed if he had had a healthy squad to choose from, Thailand would have been able to stage a better fight.
Japan coach Takeshi Okada said he thought it would be an easy game when the match started but Thailand played better than he had expected.
''I thought it would make it easier when we took the first goal, but we lost a goal soon after. It was really tough,'' said Okada.
''We were very lucky when we took the second goal.
''We scored because my players were hungry for goals. This was a good result for us and I'm happy I was able to contribute.''
RESULTS
Japan 4 (Yasuhito Endo 20, Yoshito Okubo 54, Yuji Nakazawa 65, Seiichiro Maki 89) Thailand 1 (Teerathep Winothai 21).
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