AFC U23 Asian Cup
The East Asian side closed with five points to finish second behind Australia and advance for the first time in six appearances, with Group C winners Uzbekistan their opponents on Saturday.
China PR immediately went on the offensive but then had to fall back just as fast as Thailand began to assert themselves.
The Southeast Asian side, however, were unable to make any headway into the China PR penalty box, with Iklas Sanron, Oussama Thiangkham and Paripan Wongsa booting their attempts over the bar from distance.
The Southeast Asian side, however, were unable to make any headway into the China PR penalty box, with Iklas Sanron, Oussama Thiangkham and Paripan Wongsa booting their attempts over the bar from distance.
China PR keeper Li Hao failed to hold a header from Sittha Boonlha in the 23rd minute but the 21-year-old, who has been in top form throughout, recovered before striker Chinngoen Phutonyong could reach the ball.
Mutalifu Yimingkari almost headed into his own net in the 39th minute following a Thailand corner, but Li Hao again showed lightning-quick reflexes to parry the ball out, with the keeper saving another header from Chinngoen in time added on to close out the half.
Mutalifu Yimingkari almost headed into his own net in the 39th minute following a Thailand corner, but Li Hao again showed lightning-quick reflexes to parry the ball out, with the keeper saving another header from Chinngoen in time added on to close out the half.
Group D: Thailand v China PR
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Thailand started the hungrier side after the break, with Iklas picking up a through ball from Oussama 12 minutes in and trying from an acute angle on the left, only for Li Hao to pull off another fine save.
Striker Wang Yudong and substitute Zhang Aihui both wasted chances to put China PR ahead within a span of five minutes, with Yudong again coming close in the 77th minute with an effort that swerved wide of the right post.
Striker Wang Yudong and substitute Zhang Aihui both wasted chances to put China PR ahead within a span of five minutes, with Yudong again coming close in the 77th minute with an effort that swerved wide of the right post.
Thailand keeper Chommaphat Boonloet had his first taste of second-half action when he easily gathered a shot from Chen Zeshi in the 84th minute, which closed the match and saw China PR finish their group stage unbeaten.
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