The Thai men’s football team hammered Indonesia 6-0 last night in their last group game and will next meet China in the second round on Thursday.
Thailand’s Chananan Pombubpha celebrates after scoring against Indonesia. PATTARAPONG CHATPATTARASILL
With the win, Thailand topped Group E ahead of their Southeast Asian rivals, who will face title contenders North Korea in the last 16.
An easier match against China should improve Thailand’s chances of reaching the quarter-finals.
China yesterday could only edge Pakistan 1-0 after losing 3-0 to North Korea in their opening game.
Adisak Kraisorn scored twice for Thailand after 16 and 90 minutes with Chananan Pombubpha (7), Adisak Kraisorn (16), Chanatip Songkrasin (57), Kroekrit Taweekarn (75) and Pinyo Inpinit (81) also on target.
Striker Chananan opened the floodgates after seven minutes. But he twisted his angle during the celebration and was replaced by Adisak.
Adisak soon made his presence felt with his 16th-minute strike as Thailand took a 2-0 lead at half-time.
In a one-way match, Thailand, who beat Indonesia twice at last year’s SEA Games, hit four more goals in the second half.
"I am very proud of the team," Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang said. "We needed three points against Indonesia to avoid North Korea and we did it.
"Although Indonesia fielded several fringe players, I am surprised by the number of goals we scored.
"China is a big team but we are capable of beating them. We must not get carried away by today’s win."
Indonesia coach Aji Santoso said: "Thailand played very well today. We had some sick players so we did not use them. That’s why we could not field a strong side.’’
The Thais have never won a Asian Games medal in football. However, this time they believe they are good enough for gold.
If they manage to go all the way, they will receive in the region of 100 million in bonus from the government, private companies and Football Association of Thailand.
In the women’s event, world champions Japan secured their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over Taiwan in their final Group B match.
Mizuho Sakaguchi fired the defending champions in front after three minutes and Chinatsu Kira headed in a cross from Nahomi Kawasumi at the far post in the 32nd to send Norio Sasaki’s team 2-0 up at the break.
Kawasumi added a late third with a lob that went in off the inside of the post in the 84th minute.
Japan went through as group winners on goal difference ahead of China, who beat Jordan 5-0 to also reach the last eight.
“We weren’t on top of our game today but hopefully we can raise our condition and I can shape us into a team than can win the final,” said Sasaki.