Nike Match Report: Myanmar 0-4 Thailand

Thailand qualified for the Suzuki Cup 2012 semi-finals after a 4-0 victory over Myanmar.

The game kicked off to a boisterous crowd, with both sides looking up for the challenge.

The hosts went on the offensive first, with Phichitpong Choeichiu shooting just over the bar from 25 yards out in the 3rd minute.

Yet Myanmar’s starlet Kyi Lin did not let the occasion overawe him, as he began to show attacking talents which has his agent touting him for the big time in Europe.

The youngster’s running was giving Chonlatit Jantakan a hard time, and he nearly carved out an opening in the 17th minute for David Htan to shoot but Kawin Thamsatchanan was equal to the shot.

However, moments later Thailand took the lead when Theerathon Bunmathan’s cross was flicked on by Phichitpong to Teerasil Dangda who managed to keep his cool and slot it home.

The goal seemed to affect Myanmar, as they suddenly were lacklustre, with Thailand looking the more threatening side.

In the 34th minute, Thailand nearly went close again when Sumanya Purisay’s shot from distance was pushed away by Thina Si Thu.

Just before the break, Thailand could have scored a second when the impressive Theerathon crossed was spilled by Thina, but Jaakapan Pornsai failed to connect with the ball properly to let a chance go begging.

At the restart, the Thais did not take their foot off the pedal, as they began to create numerous chances.

Teerasil could have gotten his second goal in the 51st minute when he was put through on goal by Sumanya but the former's shot was wide despite only having the goalkeeper to beat.

Kyi was trying his hardest for Myanmar, but Thailand's backline closed him down quickly, and refused to allow him space.

Thailand then secured a comfortable lead in the 60th minute when an inspired change by Winfried Schafer saw substitute Apipoo Sunthornpanavej’s brilliant header going into the top corner despite Thina getting a hand to it.

In the 85th minute, any hopes Myanmar had of salvaging the game was then extinguished when Teerasil made amends for his earlier miss by calmly driving a low shot past Thina after being played through by Bunmathan.

The War Elephants cemented their status as tournament favourites, when Teerasil showed good first touch to bring down a long ball, and finish with aplomb past Thina despite having two defenders pressuring him.

Thailand has now quailifed for the semi-finals with a game against Vietnam left.

Myanmar has to beat Philippines and hope Vietnam loses to have any hope of progressing beyond the group stages.