After both suffering debut losses in the Women’s World Cup, Thailand and Ivory Coast went in search for their first win in the competition after Norway picked up a draw against Germany. However, the Ivorians fell short again as they lost 3-2 to Thailand’s Women.
It was a much better performance from the Africans who grabbed their first World Cup goal after four minutes. Ange Nguessan, guilty of missing a sitter against the Germans took her chance this time. The striker was well placed to slot the ball into the net after a mix-up after goalkeeper Boonsing misjudged a corner. The Ivorians looked impressive in the opening exchanges with Thailand gradually settling into the encounter.
Thailand were back in the game twenty minutes later as the Ivorian defenders switched off. A ball over the top to the left wing caught out the defenders and Orathai Srimanee converted from the subsequent cross. They Ivorians were again undone by a cross into the box as Thiamale was beaten to the ball by Srimanee for her second. Ivory Coast struggles with crosses into the box showed again in Thai’s third goal after some freak defending. Thaimale was at fault yet again as she failed to deal with a cross after coming off her line. Her defenders failed to make a touch as the ball bounced in front of them and Thanatta Chawong prodded the ball home with a simple header.
Credit to the Ivorians who did not give up but battled until the final minute. Their physical play was too much for Thailand to deal with and they pulled one back with three minutes to go. Josee Nahi scored with a calm finish in the 88th minute after running 40 metres through the tiring Thai defense. Ivory Coast fought for an equalizer and hit the woodwork for the third time at the dearth. Though a painful loss, the Ivorians can be proud of themselves with the spirit and determination they’ve shown in the competition so far. For Thailand, they play the mighty Germans next and will hope for a good result in order to qualify as the best third-placed team. Ivory Coast, with a minus eleven goal difference are all but out of the WC and will have one last feel of the competition against Norway before they board their flight home.
