KUALA LUMPUR – Teerasil Dangda's 79th minute header earned Thailand a 1-1 away draw against defending champion Malaysia in the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semifinal here Sunday. The capacity crowd at the 90,000-strong Bukit Jalil Stadium erupted when Norshahrul Talaha headed Malaysia into the lead in the 48th minute after a barren first half which was more of a midfield battle. Teerasil's header half an hour later punctured the buoyant mood in the stadium and ensured Thailand would have a psychological edge in Thursday's second leg in Bangkok. Philippines and Singapore played a goalless draw in the first leg of the other semifinal Saturday. Australia qualifies Australia routed Taiwan 8-0 in Hong Kong to leapfrog North Korea and qualify for the 2013 East Asian Cup Sunday. After the Koreans had blanked hosts Hong Kong 4-0 in Sunday's other match, Australia needed to win by five goals or more. The Socceroos did much more than that to top the qualifying tournament and join Japan, China and hosts South Korea in July next year. — Agencies
