Thai players (L) celebrate after scoring a goal during their match against Malaysia in Monday’s Group A match at Tu Do Stadium in Hue city.

Thailand’s young players Monday came from a goal behind to crush Malaysia 4-1 at the Tu Do Stadium in the central town of Hue.

Thailand was in a spot of bother when Malaysia took the lead, but managed to score three goals against a wilting Malaysian defense to top Group A above Vietnam on the goal difference.

With better body build and strength, the Thai players wanted to take control of the match from the beginning and forge an easy victory.

However, coach Kawin Kachendecha’s side were stopped and confused by cautious play from the Malaysians.

As they tried to come to terms with it, the Malaysian footballers were more active and kept close to their opponents, fighting fiercely for the ball in the midfield.

Their efforts bore fruit in the 11th minute as striker Thamil Arasu latched on to a pass from Ahmad Shakir. His shot deflected off Thai defender Jattuphon Sitthilor and went straight into the back of the net.

The Thai side immediately fought back harder and began to dominate the game with midfielders Anut Inthachai and Wattanasupt Jarernsri working more dynamically.

In the 18th minute, left fullback Theerathon Bunmathan’s cross from the left flank found forward Rachanon Sirnok who scored the equalizer.

From that moment, the Thai players controlled the match better and created more scoring chances. Sirnok had a clear chance at the 26th minute, but his shot deflected from the post and went wide.

The Malaysian side had to counterattack and waited for free kicks to try and score. Most of Malaysia’s shots were made by midfielder Ahmad Shakir who failed to defeat Thai goalie Samuel Por Cunningham.

Thailand launched more attacks in the second half, but Malaysia were tough and cautious.

However, Malaysian players were tiring as the match progressed to the last 20 minutes, making it easier for the Thai players.

The 77th minute was the turning point when Nirunrit Jaroensuk’s long range shot made it 2-1.

Thailand’s second goal really sank Malaysia and the Thai players notched up two more goals in the 89th and 90th minutes through Jirawut Saranan and Charin Boodhad.

Thailand and Vietnam will fight for the top place of Group A tomorrow while Malaysia bowed out after two losses.

“I am pleased with the result today. However, Thailand wants to advance further and hope to be in the final match. We must beat Vietnam to top Group A and avoid mighty Iran in the semis,” said coach Kawin Kachendecha.

Malaysia’s head coach Krishnaswamy Rajagopal said: “We lost because my players couldn’t control the midfield. However, we can learn a lot from this competition. I hope Malaysia will play better next time.”

In the Group B match earlier, Iran defeated Myanmar 1-0 to secure a semis place. They will play against the second-placed team from Group A in the semis.

Reported by Quang Huy