Patrik Gustavsson grabbed a second-half winner as defending champions Thailand edged Malaysia 1-0 at Rajamangala National Stadium for their second straight Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup Group A victory to snatch the top spot in the pool.
Thailand, the seven-time winners, returning to action for the first time since the 10-0 defeat of Timor Leste, found Malaysia hard to break down in the first half.
But the deadlock was finally broken on 57 minutes when Patrik Gustavsson bagged what proved to be the winner. It was his second goal in as many matches and first for Thailand on home soil.
The first shot at goal came as early as after 30 seconds when Thailand captain Peeradol Chamratsamee fired a powerful drive from way outside the box but Malaysia goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli was up to the task.
Another long ranger came on three minutes through Suphanat Mueanta but his effort blazed over the bar.
Shooting on sight of goal seemed to be deliberate tactic in the earlier part of the match mainly because Malaysia were content to try and contain the War Elephants and their four-man attack in their own half.
Thailand spent the first half trying to break through a well-organised Malaysia side and, despite the hosts dominating possession, it ended goalless.
The second half began with Malaysia showing more willingness to get forward but they failed to trouble the Thai defenders.
The goal came on 57th minute with Thailand punishing a Malaysian goalkeeping error. Nadzli attempted to clear a back pass but Suphanat pounced on his feeble effort and calmly and unselfishly teed up Patrik to send the ball into the net.
Thailand have leapfrogged Malaysia and Singapore into top spot in Group A on goal difference.
The War Elephants landed in Singapore on Sunday for their next match on Tuesday.
Thailand coach Masatada Ishii told a post-match press conference: "We are glad to have picked up three points from this game. Every player tried to fight hard and our bench also did a good job.
"Our offensive game may not be beautiful, so we'll have to try and fix it. I think our all three midfielders played well both in offence and defence, but they weren't too focused on defending.
"Today, we won because of the Thai football fans who packed the stadium. I do understand that the fans wanted to see more attacking game but it depends on the opponents. I wanted to win more as this was important."
Malaysia coach Pau Marti Vicente said: "I am very happy and proud of my players. Today, I believe we should have got a better result than this. Towards the end of the match, we had chances but could not do it.
"During the past week, we had a difficult time preparing the team but today, we have shown our football fans both at the stadium here and in Malaysia that we have done our best.
"I think our goalkeeper did well and I don't want to blame anyone specifically. Every player did his best and we created many chances. We must try to support one another instead of blaming anyone."
Big win for Buriram
Buriram United trounced Nakhon Ratchasima 5-1 in an away Thai League 1 encounter on Saturday night.
Buriram United got five goals from Chigor (8, 65), Supachai Chaided (15), Dion Cools (83) Athit Berg (91).
Nakhon Ratchasima got the only goal from Deyvison de Oliveira in the 81st minute.
Thailand, the seven-time winners, returning to action for the first time since the 10-0 defeat of Timor Leste, found Malaysia hard to break down in the first half.
But the deadlock was finally broken on 57 minutes when Patrik Gustavsson bagged what proved to be the winner. It was his second goal in as many matches and first for Thailand on home soil.
The first shot at goal came as early as after 30 seconds when Thailand captain Peeradol Chamratsamee fired a powerful drive from way outside the box but Malaysia goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli was up to the task.
Another long ranger came on three minutes through Suphanat Mueanta but his effort blazed over the bar.
Shooting on sight of goal seemed to be deliberate tactic in the earlier part of the match mainly because Malaysia were content to try and contain the War Elephants and their four-man attack in their own half.
Thailand spent the first half trying to break through a well-organised Malaysia side and, despite the hosts dominating possession, it ended goalless.
The second half began with Malaysia showing more willingness to get forward but they failed to trouble the Thai defenders.
The goal came on 57th minute with Thailand punishing a Malaysian goalkeeping error. Nadzli attempted to clear a back pass but Suphanat pounced on his feeble effort and calmly and unselfishly teed up Patrik to send the ball into the net.
Thailand have leapfrogged Malaysia and Singapore into top spot in Group A on goal difference.
The War Elephants landed in Singapore on Sunday for their next match on Tuesday.
Thailand coach Masatada Ishii told a post-match press conference: "We are glad to have picked up three points from this game. Every player tried to fight hard and our bench also did a good job.
"Our offensive game may not be beautiful, so we'll have to try and fix it. I think our all three midfielders played well both in offence and defence, but they weren't too focused on defending.
"Today, we won because of the Thai football fans who packed the stadium. I do understand that the fans wanted to see more attacking game but it depends on the opponents. I wanted to win more as this was important."
Malaysia coach Pau Marti Vicente said: "I am very happy and proud of my players. Today, I believe we should have got a better result than this. Towards the end of the match, we had chances but could not do it.
"During the past week, we had a difficult time preparing the team but today, we have shown our football fans both at the stadium here and in Malaysia that we have done our best.
"I think our goalkeeper did well and I don't want to blame anyone specifically. Every player did his best and we created many chances. We must try to support one another instead of blaming anyone."
Big win for Buriram
Buriram United trounced Nakhon Ratchasima 5-1 in an away Thai League 1 encounter on Saturday night.
Buriram United got five goals from Chigor (8, 65), Supachai Chaided (15), Dion Cools (83) Athit Berg (91).
Nakhon Ratchasima got the only goal from Deyvison de Oliveira in the 81st minute.
