09:05

Before the game the only question was by how many goals Asian Cup holders Australia would beat pointless Thailand by. And that faith seemed justified after Mile Jedinak’s early penalty reflected the Socceroos’ obvious ascendancy.

But after the pesky Dangda equalised midway through the half the game turned on its axis. Thailand gained in confidence, capitalising on Australia’s errors, and it was no surprise when they took a second-half lead.

Thereafter it was desperate stuff from the visitors and it took some eye-catching cameos from Nathan Burns and Mark Milligan to help snatch a late point.

It was as sluggish and off-key a performance as Ange Postecoglou has overseen in his time in control of Australia. Aaron Mooy endured his poorest game in a gold shirt and all around him players looked skittish.

Japan’s win over Saudi Arabia means after five matches Australia drop to third in Group B, and if the UAE defeat Iraq there could be four teams separated by just one point at the halfway mark of this phase. It’s not where Australia expected to find themselves after winning their opening two matches.