Pakistan lose 6-0 to Thailand in Asiad

Roberts’ campaign off to bad start.

KARACHI: Thailand crushed Pakistan 6-0 in the opening football match of the 16th Asian Games in China. Graham Roberts’ introduction as coaching consultant proved to be of little help as Pakistan’s defence was badly exposed.

Thanglao Datsakorn, Danga Teerasil fired the opening two goals before Datsakorn scored in the 29th minute to give Thailand, a 3-0 lead at interval. Pakistan conceded the next three goals in the 59th, 65th and 73rd minutes as Keawsombut Kirati, JuJeen Anawain and Teerasil scored for Thailand.

Meanwhile, Pakistan coach Akhtar Mohiuddin remained hopeful. “All we need is one win and a draw and we can get through,” Mohiuddin told The Express Tribune. “It’s definitely not a good start, but Thailand are three-time ASEAN Champions. I still feel that Pakistan shouldn’t be written off.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8^th, 2010.