Late goal denies Thailand win

Late goal denies Thailand win

Rajevac's men impress despite UAE equaliser

Thailand's Mongkol Thosakrai, centre, scores against the UAE at Rajamangala National Stadium last night. Somchai Poomlard Somchai Poomlard
Thailand's Mongkol Thosakrai, centre, scores against the UAE at Rajamangala National Stadium last night. Somchai Poomlard Somchai Poomlard

Thailand impressively held the United Arab Emirates to a 1-1 draw in a World Cup qualifier at Rajamangala National Stadium last night.

Mongkol Thosakrai's strike after 70 minutes gave the hosts the lead only for the visitors to equalise in injury time through Ali Ahmed Mabkhout in Group B of Asia's final qualifying round for the 2018 World Cup.

It was Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac's first competitive match in charge of Thailand after his men lost 2-0 to Uzbekistan in a friendly last week.

Having been out of contention for a World Cup berth and with only pride at stake, the Thais put up a spirited fight to frustrate the visitors with fast counter-attacks.

Rajevac was without several SCG Muang Thong United players including midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin and defenders Theerathon Bunmathan and Tristan Do who pulled out of the squad due to injury or illness.

However, his men played well defensively and at times caused trouble for the UAE's defence with their pace.

The UAE threw everything at the War Elephants in the final minutes and their efforts were rewarded in the dying moments.

Thailand's last two matches are at home to Iraq on Aug 31 and away at Australia on Sept 5. After eight matche, the Thais remain bottom of the group with two points while the UAE have 10.

Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia each have 16 points with the Japanese playing Iraq later last night.

The top two teams of Group A and B qualify for the 2018 finals.

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

Iran reach Russia 2018

Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi were on target as Iran confirmed their spot in the 2018 World Cup finals with a 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran on Monday.

It was Iran's sixth win from eight matches in Group A which took the table-toppers to 20 points, while South Korea were second on 13 ahead of their match against Qatar last night.

Iran are still unbeaten in Asia's third stage of qualifying for Russia 2018 and amazingly have not conceded a single goal during the campaign, thus underlining their credentials as one of the continent's football giants.

On Monday, they recorded their second win over Uzbekistan on the road to Russia, with Rostov forward Azmoun first finding the net in the 23rd minute with a right-footed shot from the left of the box following a through ball from Alireza Jahanbaksh.

Iran were clearly the dominant side in front of their home fans and could have easily emerged winners with an even more impressive scoreline but for some lacklustre finishing.

In the 48th minute Taremi drew a foul from Akmal Shorakhmedov, but Masoud Shojaei fired the resulting penalty high over the crossbar.

The Uzbeks struggled for momentum and failed to break down the famed Iranian defence, eventually conceding their second goal of the match in the 88th minute with Taremi finishing from Azmoun's pass.

Iran have played in the World Cup finals four times in the past -- in 1978, 1998, 2006 and 2014 -- while Uzbekistan are still seeking their first ever qualification.

Samvel Babayan's men, who have 12 points from eight matches, are not yet out of contention for an automatic place but will have to win their remaining two matches and hope other results go in their favour.

Iran join hosts Russia and five-time champions Brazil in securing a place for the tournament which runs from June 14 to July 15, 2018.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Twitter: "Congratulations to the nation and our national team for qualification for the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia. You made all of us proud."

Brazil hammer Australia

Brazil demolished Australia 4-0 fired by a Diego Souza goal after just 12 seconds in their international friendly in Melbourne yesterday.

The Socceroos held the five-time World Cup champions to 1-0 at half-time but the dazzling Brazilians scored three second-half goals.

Souza scored twice with other goals coming from Thiago Silva and substitute Taison. bangkok post/agencies

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