We played well but Thais capitalised on the chances: Houghton

Wed, Sep 08 10 10:41 PM

New Delhi, Sep 8 (PTI) National football team coach Bob Houghton was gracious in defeat after his side went down to Thailand 1-2 in their second international football friendly match here today. "They deserved to win. They played better in the first match but it was pretty equal tonight. The performance of our boys was commendable, they kept working hard but I am disappointed that we did not take our chances," Houghton told the post-match press conference. "We attacked more tonight, our counter attacks were also better and we looked more dangerous but they capitalised on the chances. The boys were very good in the air and Climax (Lawrence) especially, was much better compared to Saturday''s match," he added. Bhaichung Bhutia, suffering from a recurring thyroid problem, was brought on in the 70th minute and Houghton said that was pre planned and had nothing to do with the fact that India were trailing at that point. "We always knew that Bhaichung would play at least 20 to 25 minutes," Houghton said. Seemingly pleased with Bhutia''s performance, Houghton said, "He keeps the ball in the opponent''s penalty area and gives a different dimension and it rubs on to the other boys." Meanwhile, Houghton''s counterpart Brian Robson felt both the sides created chances but Thailand were better when it came to converting them. The former England and Manchester United legend was quite pleased with the performance of his young players. "I am delighted with our young players. He (Dechmitr Wichaya) is only 19 and he has got great stamina and ability with the ball. Mentally if he keeps his ground, he will be much better in future," Robson said. On India''s game, Robson said, "They caused a lot of problems defensively but our attack did well. "India attacked a little more tonight, probably to please their fans, but that left more space for us to go for counter attacks." "India looked good at playing little passes in the midfield and that caused us a lot of problems. They will be able to trouble a lot of good opponents this way," Robson added. Despite heavy rains lashing the Ambedkar Stadium turf prior to the match, the pitch, according to Robson, was not bad. "It was quite firm, the players could pass the ball and it zipped off the ground," the Englishman said.

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