The Thai team earned a valuable point against the 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.
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 main goal of sharing 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 have four points after two matches and are close to the knockout stage. The final match on January 25 will see Thailand face Saudi Arabia, while Oman will face Kyrgyzstan.
HIGH WALL
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