Thailand almost defeated the United Arab Emirates in its World Cup Asian qualifier after its 1-0 lead ended with the latter's equalising goal in an extra time period at the Rajamangala Stadium Tuesday night.
The UAE controlled most of the game and tried attacks while the Thai team focused on long balls and defence including a good performance by its goalkeeper. The first half ended without a goal.
The first goal came in the 69th minute with a fast play and Thailand's Mongkol Totsakrai shot within a few yards to put the 1-0 lead.
UAE's Ali Ahmed Mabkhout made the equalising shot at the 93th minute of the game with a five-minute extra time.
In Group B, Thailand was at the bottom with two points and UAE was at the fourth with 10 points.
The top two teams of Asia's Groups A and B qualify for the 2018 finals in Russia in June-July.