Thailand made the cut for their second successive FIFA Women’s World Cup when they beat the Philippines 3-1 in their final and crucial game of Group A at the King Abdullah II Stadium.
Head coach Nuengrutai Srathongvian first led Thailand to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification in 2014 in Canada.
“Right now, I’m very happy,” said the 46-year-old. “We finally reached our target and our goal for the tournament.
“Amongst the pressure and the expectation of the fans, it’s a really happy moment now that we’ve made it. We know we’ll have to play better and face tougher tests at the tournament next year. I think the teams from Asia are among the best, so if we can compete at this level, we can also play at the higher level.”
Suchawadee Nildhamrong was Thailand’s attacking lynchpin, and they were awarded a penalty when the US-based forward set up Taneekarn Dangda, whose shot was blocked by Tahnai Annis’ arm.
Kanjana Sung-Ngoen duly punished the Malditas captain, converting from 12 yards to make it 1-0 after 28 minutes, before doubling the advantage just eight minutes after the restart.
Silawan Intamee then made sure that the game was beyond Philippines’ reach with another cracker on 62 minute before the latter replied with the consolation goal right at the end off Jesse Shugg.
