Thailand beat Taiwan in World Cup qualifier

Teerasil Dangda (centre) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Taiwan in a World Cup qualifier at Rajamangala National Stadium on Thursday. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)

Thailand overcame a shock one-goal deficit early in the game to take out Taiwan 4-2 in a World Cup qualifier at Rajamangala National Stadium on Thursday night.

The War Elephants hoped for maximum three points from the match against the winless visitors to cement their position as Group F leaders but they were in for a shock after a header from Yaki Yen two minutes into the game that gave the Taiwanese the lead.

The Thais were unable to break the visitors' packed defence until Teerasil Dangda headed a cross from Pokklaw Anan into the net five minutes before half time to keep the hosts in the game.

Football fans pack Rajamangala National Stadium to cheer the War Elephants. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)

Teerasil returned the favour with a clinical pass to Pokklaw to score seven minutes into the second half to give the hosts the lead for the first time.

Taiwan came back into the game at the 65th minute with a goal from Chan Wei-chuan to make the score 2-2.

Thailand led for the second time with a goal from Adisak Kraisorn at the 62nd minute mark, and Tana Chanabut's goal 13 minutes later cemented victory.

Thailand have 13 points from five matches, ahead of Iraq who have five points but with a game in hand.

Vietnam are third on four points, while Taiwan remain winless after four matches.

The eight group winners and four best runners-up will progress to Asia's final qualifying round (last 12 teams) for the 2018 World Cup.

Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang said on Wednesday: “We had only one option — win the match.”