The opening match proved fruitless as the opening scenes were interrupted by a heavy downpour of rain. Rajamangala stadium which hosted the opening match was vacant despite the fact that the tickets have been sold out. Less than 60% Thai fans turned up for the match due to the heavy rain.

The weather was also blamed by Thailand and Iraq coaches as the culprit behind their failure to snatch more than one goal each. Thailand had to bury its ambitious target to open the first match with three points and had to be content with just one point. Iraq who are far superior to Thailand in term of FIFA ranking also displayed a lackluster performance in the second half.

The first half was marked by Thailand’s quick attempt to score a goal. Keatisuk was brought down in the 6^th minute in Iraq’s penalty box. Suthee Suksomvit snatched the penalty comfortably despite his nervous state. It turned out to be Thailand’s best attempt as the first half was dominated by relentless hammering from Iraq. Younis Mahmoud showed his capability by creating havoc in Thailand’s defense, his clever movement resulted in a long range shot which was blocked brilliantly by Thailand’s keeper, Kosin.

The long haired goalkeeper also thwarted Mahdi Karim’s brilliant overhead kick although he was fooled by Younis Mahmoud’s lob heading in the 32nd minute. The score remained 1-1 during the first half due to more saves from Kosin. The second half started differently as the host managed to overcome its nervous disposition and started to dominate the midfield area. Iraq was unable to seriously threat Kosin’s goal and was pinned to its own half of the pitch by the aggressive host. Despite the continuous supply from Thailand’s veteran playmaker, Tawan Sripan, Thailand’s veteran striker Keatisuk failed to threaten Iraq’s goal. Many better attempts were done by Thailand’s midfielders although all were vain in the hand of Iraq’s goalkeeper. Both teams said that the slippery pitch was to blame for their draw. Thailand v Iraq ended a goal a piece.