AFC Asian Cup
Thailand were staring at elimination with the score tied at 1-1 as Turkmenistan held the better head-to-head record having won the reverse fixture 3-1 but Manuel Bihr’s 89th minute goal turned agony into ecstasy for the War Elephants.
“I am proud of everyone, not only proud of the staff, but also of all the fans because everyone understands how valuable this match was,” said Hudson. “Winning this game takes us to the next stage of the Asian Cup.
“Of course, in the first half, if you look at the overall picture in open play, we created many opportunities to move the ball into the final third.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to convert those chances into goals. Today, the main objective was to do whatever it took to advance to the next round of the Asian Cup.”
“Of course, in the first half, if you look at the overall picture in open play, we created many opportunities to move the ball into the final third.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to convert those chances into goals. Today, the main objective was to do whatever it took to advance to the next round of the Asian Cup.”
Qualification almost didn’t happen for Thailand despite getting off to a great start with Suphanan Bureerat’s opener after 15 minutes as the Central Asian side fought back to equalise on the hour mark through Temur Charyyev.
Turkmenistan defended in numbers, forcing Hudson into making a slew of attacking changes as Jude Soonsup-Bell, Iklas Sanron, Sarach Yooyen and Seksan Ratree were sent on between the 71st and 78th minutes.
The gamble paid off with Bihr’s late goal sending Thailand to a third consecutive Finals appearance, much to the relief of the English tactician.
Turkmenistan defended in numbers, forcing Hudson into making a slew of attacking changes as Jude Soonsup-Bell, Iklas Sanron, Sarach Yooyen and Seksan Ratree were sent on between the 71st and 78th minutes.
The gamble paid off with Bihr’s late goal sending Thailand to a third consecutive Finals appearance, much to the relief of the English tactician.
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“In the end, if we failed to qualify for the Asian Cup, it would be damaging to football in our country, both the association and the Thailand national team.
“We faced an opponent that previously beat us at their home ground, and we know very well how strong their quality is. It was a difficult match, but overall the result turned out well.”
“We faced an opponent that previously beat us at their home ground, and we know very well how strong their quality is. It was a difficult match, but overall the result turned out well.”
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