T&T Cup 2008: Thais beat DPR Korea in final minutes

Thailand defeated DPR Korea 1-0 in injury time at a T&T Cup Football Tournament opener at Ha Noi’s My Dinh Stadium. 

Behind you: Thailand’s Datsakorn Thonglao (right) fights for the ball against North Korea’s Kim Young-jun during the opener of the International Football T&T Cup at Ha Noi’s My Dinh Stadium yesterday. Thailand won 1-0.

The Thais, who were dominated by DPR Koreain earlier play, scored the only goal after most fans had already left the stadium, presuming the match would end scoreless.

Striker Phichitphong Choeichiu made his way to the box and passed the ball across the goal-mouth, in front of Korean keeper Ri Myong-guk, to reach Patiparn Phetphun. The substitute defender converted the ball.

It was a lucky goal that deflected off a Korean defender into the net.

Thailand had only two chances throughout the entire game and only scored after DPR Korea were left with 10 men in the 75th minute. Kim Kum-il was brought down during an attack and stomped Datsakon Thonglao, causing the umpire to issue a red card. The Korean side played an attacking game but failed to convert. Before being sent off, Kim was the main player in the Korean attack, but the Thai defenders did well, blocking all attempts to raid the goal.

In the 27th minute, Kim created a chance for this teammate Pak Nam-chol who pushed into the box but shot wide of goal.

In the second half, DPR Koreanearly scored when Nam Song-chol kicked a ball that ran under keeper Ri’s groin but was deflected off the post in the 73rd minute.

Earlier, Choe Kum-chol gained the ball in the Thai penalty area but was too slow shooting and the Thai defenders thwarted his attempt.

In the next match of the tournament, DPR Korea, ranked 107th in the world, will face host Viet Nam today. Thailand are ranked 112th and have three days off before facing the host.

The T&T Cup attracted four international teams, but Uzbekistan withdrew at the last moment. Now three teams will play in round-robin format, the first placed team will walk away with US$40,000, while $20,006 will be given to the second placed team and $10,000 for third.