Saudis inflict 3-0 wound on Thailand

Saudis inflict 3-0 wound on Thailand

Siroch Chatthong tries to get past Osama Hawsawi of Saudi Arabia during a match at Rajamangala National Stadium on Thursday night. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Siroch Chatthong tries to get past Osama Hawsawi of Saudi Arabia during a match at Rajamangala National Stadium on Thursday night. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

Visiting Saudi Arabia got maximum points against Thailand with a 3-0 victory that keeps the War Elephants at the bottom of Group B in the World Cup qualifiers.

Saudi Arabia's first goal at Rajamangala National Stadium came 25 minutes into the match when Mohammad Al-Sahlawi beat the off-side trap of the home team with a clinical pass from Nawaf Al-Abed to net the ball.

The visitors had more chances to widen their lead but their shots were either wide or could not pass goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan.

The Saudis sat back in their territory in the second half which gave the Thais more space to attack but their shots never hit the target.

The game went out of reach for the home side after Tanaboon Kesarat gifted the visitors an own goal six minutes before regular time. A goal from Salman Almuwashar in injury time shortly before the final whistle rounded off the defeat for Thailand.

The result keeps Saudi Arabia top and Thailand last in Group B of the Asian World Cup qualifiers.

The other teams in the group are Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq.

The top two teams of Group A and Group B earn tickets to Russia 2018. 

The two third-placed teams meet in a play-off with the winners facing a Concacaf side for another berth.

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