Asian Cup off to a stormy start.

Thailand 1 Iraq 1

A great open game of football.

Fantastic storm before the game, caused much excitement in the media rooms. The storm abated, Tata Young sang for the small crowd and the show began.

Asia's football showcase was under way.

And Thailand took the lead from a penalty much to the delight of the noisiest home crowd I've ever had the pleasure to hear.

The crowd built gradually, leaving the stadium maybe half full at best, but given most of the crowd had to sit in pouring rain all night, this was not a bad crowd.

And as we waded ankle deep away from the stadium after the game, the Canberrans I met outside down a Bangkok street, as you do, complained of the knee depth water they had to walk through to get to the game.

Of course my friend from Myanmar, Kwizk and SBS radio journo Massimilio jumped up when Thailand scored. The hosts, we always support the hosts, don't you?

I looked back at the media pack, no-one had moved. No-one standing, few cheering maybe the odd clap.

I'm still raw at this game, and long may I remain so.

Iraq looked strong in parts, can certainly play, but faded in both halves.

A headbutt to star striker Younis...see his website its something else...by the Iragi number 11 was entertaining and showed some disharmony in the ranks.

Thailand looked likely to lose after Iraq and starman Younis equalised with an easy header, but to my surprise Thailand rallied and were great value for their draw.

The crowd. The din. The drums and band played under a covered roof. No-one stopped even for half-time.

And it ended 1-1. No-one died. They could have when the supports for the opening Ceremony crashed 30 metres in the pre-match storm.

People came in reasonable numbers, despite the lashing rain, and flooded walkways.

Everyone wore yellow as a sign of respect for the King of Thailand, and the AFC President was spotted leaving in his motorcade shortly after the end of the match.

It felt good to be here. It was uniquely Asian. The football was entertaining, more open than the World Cup and devoid of too much European professionalism.

If you like goals, flair, mistakes, and action, the Asian Cup will not disappoint.