Thailand hold Iraq in Asian Cup opener

Thai football player Kiatisuk Senamuang(L) and Iraqi player Ali Rehema compete for the ball during the first game of the Asian Cup 2007 football tournament at the Ratchamangla Stadium in Bangkok. Thailand held Iraq to a 1-1 draw Saturday as the Asian Cup got underway in pouring rain.

Thailand held Iraq to a 1-1 draw here Saturday as the Asian Cup got underway in pouring rain, dampening an otherwise entertaining start to the three-week football festival.

A tropical downpour two hours before kick-off left the pitch water-logged and delayed the official opening ceremony, which eventually took place in front of a near empty stadium.

The rain eased in time for the game but many fans stayed home.

A day before the match Asian Football Confederation president Mohammad bin Hammam said he was anticipating a sell-out crowd at the 60,000-capacity ground.

Instead less than half that braved the gridlocked Bangkok traffic to make the trek to the Rajamangala National Stadium.

Those who stayed away missed an exciting start to the 16-team, 32-match competition, co-hosted by Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Thailand unexpectedly took the lead in the sixth minute after a dubious penalty was awarded by Korean referee Kwon Jung-Chul when talismanic striker Kiatisuk Senamuang was adjudged to have been nudged to the ground by Ali Rehema.

Iraqi player Salih Al Sadw(C) is challenged by Thai players Nirut Surasiang(L) and Tawan Sripan during the first game of the Asian Cup 2007 football tournament at the Ratchamangla Stadium in Bangkok. Thailand held Iraq to a 1-1 draw Saturday as the Asian Cup got underway in pouring rain.

Sutee Suksomkit calmly converted the spot kick into the left-hand corner.

But it was all Iraq from there on in a pulsating first half, with the Thais ragged at the back.

Salir Sadwn was a danger man, not afraid to have a crack from distance, forcing some fine saves from Thai keeper Kosin Hathairattanakool.

Iraq, who inspired their nation by making the Asian Games final in December, went close in the 16th minute when Sadwn's spectacular overhead kick was palmed onto the post by Kosin as the visitors stepped up the pressure.

Their reward came just after the half hour mark when captain Younis Mahmoud, still mourning the loss of a close relative in his war-torn homeland, rose above two defenders to head home Sadwn's looping free kick from the left.

But a tired Iraq were unable to finish off the hosts, with Thailand warming to their task in the second period as Therdsak Chaiman blazed over the bar in the 56th minute and Datsakorn Thonglao went close five minutes later.

Substitute Teeratep Winothai nearly sealed victory for the Thais with five minutes left, forcing Iraqi goalkeeper Noor Hassan to push his long-range effort over the bar.

Iraqi player Nashat Ali(R) heads a ball after dodging Thailand's defender Kiatisuk Senamuang(L) during the first game of the Asian Cup 2007 football tournament at the Ratchamangla Stadium in Bangkok. Thailand held Iraq to a 1-1 draw Saturday as the Asian Cup got underway in pouring rain.

In the end it was a fair result leaving both sides with all to play for against fellow Group A teams Australia and Oman.

"I'm satisfied with the match because the condition of the pitch made it difficult to control the ball," said Thai coach Chanvit Pholchovin, and he defended the penalty decision.

"Football is football and it is not rugby," he said.

Iraq's Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira was less happy, believing it was a game his team should have won.

"We missed a chance to win. This game was very important," he said.

"Of course, I am disappointed because I thought the game should have been decided in the first half.

"Nevertheless I am still satisfied because you can't imagine how many problems we have had to prepare this team for the competition."

Favourites Australia play Oman on Sunday, while Group B gets underway when Vietnam face United Arab Emirates.