Loser of its first four games, Thailand held Australia to a 2-2 tie in World Cup 2018 qualifying at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium. The result dropped the Socceroos to third in qualifyinggroup behind Saudi Arabia and Japan and tied with the United Arab Emirates.
Mile Jedinak scored twice on penalty goals for Australia, but Thailand’s Teerasil Dangdamatched him with two goals of his own, the second from the penalty spot.
Coach Ange Postecoglou remained optimistic that the Asian champion would finish in the top two and qualifyfor the World Cup in Russia. The third-place team must win two playoff series — the second against Concacaf’s No. 4 team — to qualify.
“I still think we’re well placed. I mean we’ve hadthree tough away trips, we haven’t lost, and we’re pretty strong at home,” Postecoglou said. “I think from a qualification point of view I certainly don’t think there’s extra pressure but that’sexternal sort of buzz.”