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Published on December 5, 2007

Scenes of ecstasy filled the His Majesty the King's 80 Birthday Anniversary stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima after the hosts walloped unfancied Cambodia 8-0 in men's soccer yesterday.

Braving criticism following the unimpressive 3-2 victory over Burma, in which a lapse of concentration in the final stretch, after going three goals up, almost cost them points, the hosts duly delivered by brushing aside minnows Cambodia.

Despite the impressive nature of the win, it should be wise not to read too much into the outcome given the gulf between the two sides. More importantly, most of the goals was the result of goalkeeping errors.

The result, though, helped revive some confidence for the hosts, who bid to win their eighth consecutive Games title, before they face Indonesia to decide the winners of Group A.

National coach Thongsuk Sumpahangsit is looking to top the group but might rest some of his regular players for the fixture against Indonesia.

"We'll send the best possible team against the Indonesians. However, I'm aware that some players need some rest after two games in three days. I also would like to give players who are yet to impress a chance,"  Thongsuk said.

The writing was on the wall when the home team took the lead just six minutes into the game through midfielder Apiphu Sunthornpanawet's effort. The visitors' goalkeeper made a poor clearance and Apiphu, who made his Games debut yesterday, punished the hapless Cambodians by sending the loose ball into the empty net from a distance.

The floodgates opened when half time approached after the home side scored two quick goals.

Wuthichai Thathong fired in a delivery across the face of goal and star striker Teeratep "Leesaw" Winothai slid in at the far post to double the hosts' advantage in the 40th minute.

Three minutes later, the contest was effectively over after the Cambodian goalkeeper made a rash decision. He tried to cut out the long pass outside the area only for the ball to subsequently fall into the path of Adul Lusoh, who made no mistake from 30 yards.

Cambodia's fortunes did not improve despite replacing the error-prone goalkeeper at the interval.

His replacement barely did a better job after fumbling a free-kick shot, which saw the ball bounce up against the crossbar before Anont Sangsanoi slammed home the rebound.

Further goals from Teeratep and substitute Thana Chanabutr added more glitter to the final scoreline before Anont stole the limelight by securing his third with two late goals.

The Nation