Thailand vs Socceroos highlights: World Cup qualifier scores, blog, result

Match result:

A boilover in Bangkok is sealed!

No, it’s not a win for Thailand – it doesn’t need to be. We can wax lyrical about the Socceroos’ performance, or we can pay tribute to the heart and desire shown by the War Elephants in drawing the Asian champions to a stalemate.

It’s their first points of the group after five games, and what a point it is. Deserved on every level.

As for Australia, this can rank as probably their worst effort during the Postecoglou era. They were outplayed on desire, speed and strategy.

Three draws on the trot leaves them teetering on the precipice of qualification. They hang in third place behind Saudi Arabia and Japan, and if the UAE defeat Iraq later this morning, it will be one point separating four teams for two automatic qualification spots.

Australia’s World Cup dreams hang in the balance, after what you can call a pathetic performance.

Final score:
Thailand 2-2 Australia

Match preview:

The Socceroos can reclaim top spot in qualification for the Road to Russia when they travel to Bangkok to take on Thailand tonight. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary for Thailand versus Australia from 11pm (AEDT).

Four games in, and the battle for places in Russia 2018 tightens. Australia’s two draws in October saw the group favourites give top spot to Saudi Arabia. Yet with both Japan and the United Arab Emirates lurking closely behind, anything but three points will make a tough 2017 leg of their campaign even tougher.

Yet the Socceroos’ seeding as Group B top dogs allows them the chance to play Thailand, nominally the group’s weak link, and their status of zero points from four points to this. With Saudi Arabia having to travel to Japan on the same day, all signs indicate Australia reaffirming their credentials.

While this game was never in danger of being cancelled or postponed, given the country’s state of mourning following the passing of their King, it will carry a sombre tone, regardless if the War Elephants were to cause a boilover.

Yet Thailand’s bleak hopes of qualification rest solely on this. Coach Kiatisuk Senamuang will set up his side to nullify the Australian midfield – with the expectations Australia will dominate the ball. A defensive 4-5-1 is likely, with holding midfielders a key element in stifling any momentum for the Socceroos.

Teerasil Dangda has an excellent record with 32 goals from 78 caps, though chances will be few, and he is expected to start alone up front and provide an outlet for his side on the counter. Thailand’s best hopes will rest on their ability to restrict Australia’s space in the centre and limit them to long-range efforts.

For Ange Postecoglou, this game is an excellent chance to gain three points and improve their goal difference to ensure breathing space come the end of the campaign.

The absences of Tomi Juric and Tim Cahill will give an opportunity for either Nathan Burns or in-form Brisbane striker Jamie Maclaren to stake their claim as the side’s striker, with Tom Rogic ready to string his influence in the number 10 role.

Unlike other months in the campaign, this game is a standalone fixture, enabling Postecoglou to name his strongest XI, which will likely also include Mathew Leckie and Robbie Kruse in wide roles.

Prediction
Despite being the away side, Australia will be strong favourites. Anything but three points will be cause for later inquisition, and even a goal glut will only serve to merely fulfil expectations.