Thailand has one foot in the round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup

The Thai team earned a valuable point against Oman players in a goalless draw on the evening of January 21. With 4 points, coach Masatada's team has one foot in the next round.

Thailand (white shirt) and Oman draw

Facing a highly rated opponent, Thailand took the initiative to play defensively from the start of the match, giving control of the ball to the Oman players. The solidity of Thailand's defense discouraged Oman's attack as the team rarely created dangerous opportunities in front of Thailand's goal. In addition, Thailand's central defenders in this match had a good height, so they were ready to receive high ball attacks and aerial battles with the opponent.

The first dangerous opportunity was created by Thailand in the 16th minute, Theerathon Bunmathan took a corner kick on the left, the 1.95-meter-tall center-back Elias Dolah rushed in to head the ball close to the goal but it hit the Oman goalkeeper and bounced out. Oman responded in the 20th minute with a similar shot, Issam Al Sabhi fired a shot that hit goalkeeper Patiwat.

In the second half, both sides played closely as if aiming for the same main goal of sharing the points. Oman's attacks mainly exploited high passes but could not overcome the Thai team's defense which had prepared quite well for "air combat".

Despite being tied, Thailand has 4 points after 2 matches and is close to the knockout round. The final match on January 25, Thailand will face Saudi Arabia, while Oman will face Kyrgyzstan.

HIGH WALL

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/thai-lan-dat-1-chan-vao-vong-18-asian-cup-2023-post723714.html