U23 Thailand defeated U23 Iraq

U23 Iraq 0-2 U23 Thailand.

U23 Iraq is one of the championship candidates of the tournament and is considered the strongest team in the group. However, U23 Thailand caused a surprise when they defeated the West Asian team 2-0. This was a match in which the team from the land of the golden pagoda only had 43.5% ball possession, launched 7 shots (1/3 of Iraq's), hit the target 3 times and scored 2 goals.

In the first minutes, U23 Iraq dominated the game, pushing U23 Thailand back to their home field. However, the West Asian players did not create many opportunities against Thailand's tightly organized defense.

U23 Thailand gradually got into the rhythm of the match, creating some counter-attack situations. This made U23 Iraq play cautiously and not push their formation too high.

U23 Thailand played well against U23 Iraq.

The first notable chance was Salem Ahmed's shot. However, he shot over the bar. In the 26th minute, U23 Thailand responded with a shot from Choolthong. The number 12 player entered the penalty area, received a pass from Garnier on the left wing before finishing the goal.

In the second half, U23 Iraq played aggressively to find an early equalizer. However, coach Radhi Shenaishil's players lacked precision in their finishing.

They paid the price with a second goal in the 65th minute. Waris Choolthong took a corner kick from the right wing. Teerasak Poeiphimai headed the ball past goalkeeper Hussein Rasetim, doubling the lead.

In the 71st minute, U23 Iraq played with one less player when Watifi received a red card. The West Asian team could not turn the game around and lost 0-2.

3 points help U23 Thailand open up the opportunity to continue. They will face U23 Saudi Arabia (April 19) and U23 Tajikistan (April 22) respectively.

Result: U23 Iraq 0-2 U23 Thailand

Score

U23 Thailand: Waris Choolthong (26'), Teerasak Poeiphimai (65').