Thailand edge Philippines in opener
Jakkraphan and Anucha convert chances to ensure hosts pick up all three points in a hard-fought Group A match
Thailand struggled to a 2-1 win over the Philippines in their opening match of the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup at Rajamangala National Stadium last night.
The hosts seemed to be heading for a comfortable win after racing to a 2-0 lead late in the first half with goals from Jakkraphan Pornsai and Anucha Kitpongsri.
However, the Philippines, who reached the semi-finals in the previous edition in 2010, fought back spiritedly and deservedly earned a goal through Paul de la Cruz in the second half.
The Thais lead Group A with three points as Vietnam were held to a 1-1 draw by Myanmar in the other match. The top two teams from each of the two groups advance to the semi-finals. Defending champions Malaysia host Group B which also features Indonesia, Singapore and Laos.
The Thais, who were embarrassingly eliminated in the first round in the 2010 tournament, dominated last night's match throughout the opening half. Having squandered several chances, the hosts finally found the net twice in the last five minutes of the first half.
Jakkraphan slotted the ball home from close range after 40 minutes and Anucha round Philippines goalkeeper Eduard Ortalla Sacapano to score moments later.
Teerathorn Boonmathan came close to making it 3-0 in the dying moments but his header went over the bar.
Thailand were still the better side in the second half. Shortly after the interval, Teerasil Dangda fed Anucha whose shot went wide. Teerasil also saw his header miss the target. Substitute Sumanya Purisay went clear in the 74th minute but he sent his shot wide. Shortly after that, the Philippines punished Thailand's defensive error with de la Cruz scoring from close range.
Thailand next play Myanmar and the Philippines meet Vietnam on Tuesday.
STANDINGS!
P!W!D!L!GF!GA!Pts!!
Thailand !1! 1! 0! 0! 2! 1! 3!!
Myanmar !1! 0! 1! 0! 1! 1! 1!!
Vietnam !1! 0! 1! 0! 1! 1! 1!!
Philippines !1! 0! 0! 1! 1! 2! 0!!
