The victory in the third group match came courtesy of goals from substitute Seksan Ratree and captain Chanathip Songkrasin, lifting the War Elephants back on track after a mixed start to the qualifiers, reports the Bangkok Post.
Ranked 101st in the FIFA world rankings, Thailand were strong favourites against 173rd placed Taiwan and, urged on by a lively home crowd at the Rajamangala National Stadium, they pressed forward from the opening whistle and dictated the tempo throughout.
Thailand almost struck inside two minutes when a corner fell to Benjamin Davis, whose shot was blocked by midfielder Jhon Benchy and deflected behind. Five minutes later, Supachok Sarachat combined neatly with Jaroensak Wonggorn, but the latter’s effort went straight at goalkeeper Huang Chiu-lin.
The hosts continued to dominate possession and carve out chances. In the 34th minute, Jaroensak tried his luck from distance, only to see his strike fly over the bar. Ishii responded by introducing Seksan to add energy in midfield - a move that would soon prove decisive.
Six minutes into the second half, Supachok delivered a pinpoint cross into the area and Seksan timed his run perfectly, rising to head past Huang and put Thailand 1-0 up.
The second goal arrived in the 77th minute after a defensive lapse in the Taiwanese backline. Saringkan Promsupa reacted quickest to a loose ball, nodding it into the path of Chanathip, who calmly slotted home to seal the result.
After the match, Ishii praised his players’ commitment but emphasised the need for sharper finishing.
“I appreciate the players for fighting throughout the 90 minutes and pressing high in the opponents’ half,” said the Japanese tactician.
“What we need to work on is how to score more goals when we face the same opponents again [in the reverse fixture on Tuesday].”
Skipper Chanathip said, “I’m happy to score, but more importantly I want to thank my teammates who helped create the chance.
“We knew that Taiwan would play deep defensively and we had to be patient in the standing positions because if we are patient, then the chance will come.”
Meanwhile, Ishii has called up Santiparb Channgom and Songwut Kraikruan to replace Jonathan Khemdee and Jaroensak, who pulled out due to injuries after Thursday’s game.
Chonburi right wingback Santiparb and Muang Thong United centre-back Songwut will join the squad as the War Elephants prepare for the return fixture against Taiwan tomorrow at Taipei Municipal Stadium.
Thailand began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Sri Lanka before falling 1-3 to Turkmenistan. Thursday’s victory takes them to six points from three matches, while Taiwan remain bottom of the group with three defeats.
In the other match on Thursday, Sri Lanka stunned Turkmenistan 1-0 with a second-half goal by Leon Manimeldura. The South Asian side moved up to six points while Turkmenistan lost their perfect record. Both teams will meet again in Arkadaq tomorrow.