Thai women in precarious position after heavy loss to China in Asian tourney opener
>> Thailand’s plans for derailing the Chinese juggernaut went awry on Friday as they suffered a 4-0 rout in their Group A opener at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2018 in Amman.
The result left the two camps in grossly contrasting moods after the Chinese scored all goals in the second half.
Coach Nuengruethai Srathongvian said two different Thai sides showed up for the clash with pre-tournament favourites China.
“We did very well in the first half, but we failed to match them when they changed their attacking tactics after the break,” said a dejected Nuengruethai, adding that her players made many mistakes during the match.
She said: “We have two more matches to play and we have no option left but to win both.”
China coach Sigurdur Eyjolfsson said: “I was very proud of the team today as we played very well especially in the second half.
“Once we got into the game and adjusted a few things at half-time, we had a terrific second half and could have scored even more goals.
“I was really pleased with the attitude of the players and how we performed very solidly. The team looked like a good unit and that is the goal for China to be successful.”
A second half brace from Player of the Match Song Duan, along with strikes from Wang Shuang and Li Ying helped seal a morale-boosting win for China.
China moved to the top of Group A table, ahead of the Philippines who edged hosts Jordan 2-1 in yesterday’s later fixture.
Sarina Bolden’s 76th-minute goal on her international debut helped seal all three points for the Malditas.
Jordan, playing more attacking football in front of their home crowd, scored first at the 15-minute mark when lively Maysa Jbarah expertly converted captain Stephanie Al Naber’s pinpoint pass.
The Philippines took only six minutes to restore parity through Jesse Shugg’s free-kick, which bounced off Jordan defender Yasmeen Khair’s head and looped into the net.
Tomorrow, China face the Philippines and Thailand meet Jordan.