RIYADH, 22 October — Saudi Arabia thrashed visitors Thailand 4-1 here yesterday to book their place in next year’s World Cup soccer finals.
On a dramatic day of final Asian round qualifiers, the Saudi Arabia took full advantage of their major rivals Iran who crashed to a 3-1 defeat against Bahrain in Manama.
Prince Sultan ibn Fahd, head of the Youth Welfare Presidency, congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd, Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, and Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, on the big victory.
“The Kingdom’s qualification for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, under the supervision of a Saudi coach, reaffirms the high standard achieved by Saudi soccer and its excellence at international events. The latest victory also reflects the sound planning of the Saudi Football Federation,” he stated.
The Saudis had gone into the match a point behind Iran in the chase for the lone qualifying place from Group A and they set about their task confidently. Abdullah Sheehan put them in front after 40 minutes and the Saudis added three more in the second half, from Abdullah Jamaan (50), a penalty from Sami Al-Jaber on 66 and a fourth from Ibrahim Mater on 73.
Thailand only had a second half consolation from Boriban Tananchai to show for their efforts as they finished bottom of Group A with just four points from their eight matches.
Iran finished second behind Saudi Arabia in Group A and will play against the United Arab Emirates, the second team from Group B, in a double-leg play off. The winners will challenge Ireland for in a playoff for a berth for the finals. China have already qualified for the finals from Group B as the top team.
