Thailand cling on to World Cup dream

Thailand cling on to World Cup dream

Hosts could advance despite Ukraine defeat

Hosts Thailand have to wait to find out if they will advance to the next round after losing 3-2 to Paraguay in their final group game at the 2012 Fifa Futsal World Cup last night.

Jetsada Chudech, No.8, scored Thailand’s second goal against Paraguay. PHOTOS BY PATIPAT JANTHONG

With Ukraine beating Costa Rica 6-1 in the other Group A game, Thailand finished third in the group and could still progress to the knockout stages depending on results of matches in the remaining groups today and tomorrow.

The top two teams from each of the six groups and four best third-placed sides reach the last 16 round.

Ukraine and Paraguay advance to the last 16 as Group A leaders and runners-up respectively.

At a raucous Hua Mark Indoor Stadium, star striker Suphawut Thueanklang passed a fitness test to start for Thailand as goalkeeper Prakit Dankhunthod returned from injury.

The Thais went into the match knowing that a draw would take them through but they endured a nightmare start, falling three goals behind inside the opening 10 minutes.

Adolfo Salas scored the first with a low shot from wide on the right that sneaked inside the far post, and Enmanuel Ayala, who was back from suspension, doubled their lead with a shot high into the roof of the net for his fourth goal in just two matches.

Thailand were actually dominating in terms of possession and shots on goal at this stage, but Paraguay made them pay again when Juan Salas sent the ball into the unguarded net after Prakit had failed to hold a shot.

Thailand then staged a comeback one minute later when Suphawut reacted first to shoot low into the net after a goalmouth melee.

The goal was greeted by a wild roar by the huge home support, and the excitement in the stands reached fever pitch five minutes into the second half when the hosts drew level.

This time, Paraguay were caught out by Apiwat Chaemcharoen's quickly taken corner, which Jetsada Chudech blasted high into the net.

The fans urged their team forward in search of an equaliser which would have sent them into the round of 16 but the Thais missed several good chances with Paraguay goalkeeper Carlos Espinola making a lot of fine saves.

Thailand coach Victor Hermans said: "We conceded two silly goals. In the second half, we had several chances but could not make it. But we still have a chance to qualify for the second round."

If Thailand do get a second-round berth, they will meet Brazil on Monday.

The Thais failed to get past the first round in all their previous three World Cup appearances.

In last night's other Group A game at Korat Chatchai Hall, Ukraine secured their place in the round of 16 with a 6-1 win over Concacaf champions Costa Rica who stunned Paraguay 6-3 in their previous match.

GROUP A RESULTS

Paraguay 3 Thailand 2; Ukraine 6 Costa Rica 1

STANDINGS

!P !W !D !L !GF !GA !Pts!

Ukraine !3! 2! 1! 0! 14! 7! 7!

Paraguay !3! 1! 1! 1 !9! 11! 4!

Thailand !3! 1! 0! 2 !8! 9! 3!

Costa Rica !3! 1! 0! 2! 8! 12! 3!

Suphawut Thueanklang, right, scored Thailand’s first goal.

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