Thailand win 5-4 on penalties
Pichitpong (left) celebrates his goal against Everton
|
Everton lost to Thailand after a penalty shoot-out in the Premier League Asia Trophy semi-final in humid conditions at the Rajamangala Stadium.
Joseph Yobo missed his spot-kick, while Thailand were 100% successful.
In normal time, Pichitpong Choeichew put Thailand ahead after nine minutes with a cracking drive from 25 yards.
Marcus Bent levelled just before half time after running onto Leon Osman's throughball and slipping the ball beyond onrushing Thai keeper.
Everton, who welcomed back Li Tie after he missed last season with a broken leg, were fortunate not to have been beaten in the 90 minutes.
Second-best for much of the game, Everton almost conceded a second goal late on when Teeratep volleyed wide from inside area and later saw his shot tipped round the post by Nigel Martyn.
Early in the second half, Tie was replaced by new signing Per Kroldrup.
The Dane was soon on the back foot as Thailand, mostly made up of their U23's, continued to dictate proceedings.
They came close to scoring when Suchao Nutnum's looped shot hit the base of the upright.
Bent and David Weir had chances for Everton, but their ring-rusty performance warranted nothing more than their slightly embarrassing defeat.
Thailand: Hathairattanakool, Mahawong, Pitafai, Samakrat, Saiwaew, Bunkham, Choeichew, Poolsap, Thonglao, Thongmaen, Sangondee. Subs: Taweekul, Koedpudsa, Chaisamak, Keelalay, Fuplook, Saingam, Inthasen, Winothai, Sukka, Buathong, Yodyingyong, Kongprapan, Nathasan, Bedtaku, Chutong, Nutnum.
Everton: Martyn, Hibbert, Yobo, Weir, Kilbane, Osman, Li Tie, Arteta, McFadden, Ferguson, Bent. Subs: Turner, Kroldrup, Vaughan, Wynne, Hughes, Seargeant.
Referee: M Clattenburg (Co Durham)