Thailand narrowly miss out on World Cup qualification despite beating Singapore 3-1

SINGAPORE: Thailand narrowly missed out on qualifying for the World Cup despite beating Singapore 3-1 in Bangkok on Tuesday (Jun 11).

Thailand needed to win by three goals to leapfrog China into second place in Group C.

But they fell short in a frantic finish at the Rajamangala National Stadium, failing to get the goal that would have taken them through to the next round.

The results allowed China to squeeze through after a 1-0 defeat to South Korea in the other Group C match earlier Tuesday evening. 

Thailand started the match on the front foot with midfielder Suphanat Mueanta tapping in a cross from Chanathip Songkrasin in the 36th minute. 

Minutes later, Supachai Chaided failed to convert a shot when put through one-on-one with Hassan Sunny, with the Singapore goalkeeper pulling off one of his many point-blank saves of the night.

The half ended 1-0 to Thailand and Singapore threw on forward Ilhan Fandi for defender Ryhan Stewart.

The Thais started the second half like the first, with Supachai shooting straight at Hassan and the goalkeeper again saving brilliantly from Suphanat.

But as Thailand continued to probe, Ihksan Fandi equalised for Singapore against the run of play in the 56th minute. Heunleashed an unstoppable shot from outside the box past goalkeeper Patiwat Kaomhai.

Thailand continued their assault on Singapore's goal, flashing crosses across the box but without a finishing touch.

The home side made three substitutions in the 65th minute, throwing on attackers in hopes of finding the goals they needed to take them to the next stage.

But the Lions continued to frustrate the Thais despite waves of attacks.

In the 78th minute, substitute Poramet Arjvirai cut in from the left and fired a shot past Hassan, putting Thailand