TOR CHITTINAND
Thailand put up a brave fight before losing 1-0 to Italy in their opening match at the 2008 Fifa Futsal (five-a-side) World Cup in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. Captain Grana scored from the spot after 15 minutes to seal the win for the 2004 runners-up in Group B.
Thailand, who were without best player Anucha Munjarern through injury, were unfortunate to finish empty-handed as Prasert Innui's penalty kick hit a post just before half-time.
In an entertaining match, both sides had equal scoring chances. The Italians, who are ranked third in the world, broke the deadlock when Panomkorn Saisorn pulled Foglia in the area to concede a penalty.
Thailand are playing in their third straight finals and aim to reach the second round for the first time.
The other three teams in Group B are Portugal, Paraguay and the United States.
Three teams from each group advance to the knock-out stages of te competition.
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