Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Taipei: Thailand will face defending champions Islamic Republic of Iran in the AFC Futsal Championship quarter-finals 2018 after they defeated Kyrgyz Republic 8-1 in a dominant display on Tuesday.
Jose Maria Pazos’ side had suffered a shock defeat to Lebanon in Group D on Sunday and faced a must-win tie against the Central Asians at University of Taipei Gymnasium, but responded in style to ensure qualification for the last eight.
Suphawut Thueanklang gave the ASEAN side the lead a little over two minutes into the match, crisply volleying Jirawat Sornwichian’s corner past Kirill Ermolov and in off the inside of the post.
And the same player went close to doubling the advantage for Thailand with four minutes of the half remaining after he controlled a long ball upfield on his chest and, in one motion, swiveled and fired a stunning volley onto the crossbar.
Iuldashbai Salimbaev went close to restoring parity with a header that went narrowly wide of Kanison Phoopun’s right-hand post, but in an immediate response Thailand went not just two goals ahead but three, with both scored by the same player.
First Apiwat Chaemcharoen burst down the left, beating a defender, before steering a smart shot across Ermolov, and then moments later a Thailand corner saw Jetsada Chudech’s ball into the area directed past Ermoblov by Apiwat for his second of the night.