Zico kickstarts Thailand's World Cup dream

Thailand's veteran star Kiatisuk 'Zico' Senamuang

Thailand's veteran star Kiatisuk 'Zico' Senamuang kick-started his country's 2006 World Cup campaign when he scored one goal and created the other two in a 3-0 away win over Yemen.

The Thais, who have never qualified for the finals, desperately needed a win here after losing their opening Group 5 match 1-0 to the United Arab Emirates last month.

But Thailand had to live on their nerves before they secured the three points with all their goals coming in the second half as they moved into second place in the table, one point behind the UAE who drew 0-0 against North Korea in Pyongyang on Wednesday.

Man-of-the-match Kiatisuk, nicknamed after the former Brazilian superstar Zico, set the Thais on their way in the 68th minute when his corner was headed home by Sarayoot Chaikumdee.

Three minutes later, it was 2-0 as Kiatisuk crossed from the left-hand side for Nirut Surasiang to slot the ball home.

Kiatisuk then got his name on the scoresheet three minutes from time when he robbed Yemen's goalkeeper to coolly tap the ball into the net.

Thailand, who are coached by Carlos Roberto de Carvalho, next play North Korea on September 8.

Only the eight group winners in Asia qualify for the final round.