Injured striker Suphawut Thuenklang is likely to miss Thailand's decisive group match against Paraguay at the Futsal World Cup tomorrow.
Thailand striker Suphawut Thuenklang gets tackled by Ukraine’s Sergiy Cheporniuk. PATANAPONG HIRUNARD
After beating Costa Rica 3-1 in their opening Group A game, the Thais were brought back to earth by Ukraine, who won 5-3.
The defeat was costly, as Kritsada Wongkaeo got his second yellow card of the tournament and will be suspended for the Paraguay match.
Also, Suphawut got injured during the match and could barely walk yesterday.
The striker injured his groin after a clash with a Ukraine player and was awarded a penalty kick as a result. The injury became worse after he scored from the spot and he had to use a wheelchair after the game.
"I felt pain after I kicked the penalty," Suphawut said yesterday. "I don't know how serious the injury is. I hope I can play against Paraguay. It is an important match which will determine if Thailand will get past the first round or not."
Thailand deputy manager Sutthiphan Wannawinwet said: "Suphawut can now walk but cannot walk well. We are not sure if he will be able to play against Paraguay or not. We have to monitor his situation closely."
Thailand should welcome back first-choice goalkeeper Prakit Dankhunthod who missed the Ukraine match through injury.
Ukraine occupy top spot in Group A, having earned four points, followed by Thailand and Costa Rica who each have three points and Paraguay, in fourth, who have one.
Paraguay must beat Thailand to stay in contention for a second-round berth. Thailand, meanwhile, must avoid defeat to stand a chance of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in four World Cup appearances.
The top two teams from each of the six groups and four best third-placed sides advance to the next round.
Meanwhile, Russia will meet Guatemala while Colombia take on Solomon Islands in Group F today.
Having beaten Solomon Islands 16-0 in their opening game, Russia are favourites against Guatemala who shocked Colombia 5-2 in their first match.
Russia coach Sergey Skorovich said: "We will have to raise our game against Guatemala. They will make us work harder, for sure."
In Group E, Serbia will face Kuwait and Egypt will play Czech Republic. Both Serbia and the Czechs will qualify for the next round with a win today.