Australia came from behind to beat 10-man Thailand 2-1 in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Group D clash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sittha Boonlha\u2019s opener for Thailand was cancelled out by goals from Ethan Alagich and Mathias Macallister to ensure Tony Vidmar\u2019s men kicked off their campaign with maximum points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thailand were quicker to settle and opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Sittha picked up a loose ball from a corner and sent a low drive from the edge of the box that took a deflection before going past custodian Steven Hall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their joy, however, turned to dismay moments later when Phon-Ek Maneekorn\u2019s yellow card was upgraded to a red following a VAR review for the defender\u2019s high-footed foul on Jordi Valadon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Australia pressed on their numerical advantage, with Thai keeper Chommaphat Boonloet having his first taste of action when he pulled off saves in the 18th and 21st minutes to deny Macallister\u2019s blistering efforts from outside the 18-yard area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Olyroos equalised in the 29th minute when they were awarded a penalty after a foul by skipper Pichitchai Sienkrathok on Yaya Dukuly, with Alagich duly converting the spot-kick by sending Chommaphat the wrong way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A dominant Australia took the lead mere seconds later when the ever-threatening Macallister collected a pass from Alagich and sent a curling shot from the left that had the Thai keeper grasping at thin air. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thailand, however, showed no lack of spirit with Oussama Thiangkham hitting the woodwork from a narrow angle on the left in the 38th minute and Chawanwit Saelao\u2019s sliding attempt going past the left post following some good work down the right by midfielder Thanawut Phochai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the other end, Chommaphat kept Thailand in the game by saving Luka Jovanovic\u2019s effort from outside the area and then blocking a thunderous shot from distance by Alagich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pace in the first 15 minutes of the second half was almost pedestrian, with the Thais mostly controlling the ball but coming up short against Australia\u2019s well-oiled backline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Australia still carried a threat with Alagich and Macallister\u2019s consecutive attempts stymied by Chommaphat and the Thai defence in the 65th minute, with the keeper then pushing out Aydan Hammond\u2019s tricky shot from the centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thailand\u2019s best efforts to earn at least a point came to nothing as the clock wound down, and the Southeast Asian side will look to bounce back when they meet Iraq on Sunday.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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