Thailand will surely wait nervously today to find out whether their Futsal World Cup campaign on home soil reaches an end or not.
Cristian Borruto, centre, scored twice in Argentina’s 7-1 win over Australia. PATIPAT JANTHONG
But fate is not in their own hands as they have to rely on results of the remaining first-round games to advance to the knockout stages.
Thailand finished third in Group A on Wednesday, with four best third-placed sides securing round of 16 berths along with the top two teams from each of the six groups.
After Argentina beat Australia 7-1 in Group D earlier yesterday, Thailand would advance as one of the best third-placed teams if Iran defeated Panama by a margin of at least two goals in a late match in Group B.
But Panama shattered Thailand's dream with a goal just 39 seconds remaining. Although Panama lost 4-3 to the Iranians, the late strike was enough to send the Concacaf side to the second round as one of the best third-placed teams.
Panama and Thailand have identical goal difference (minus one) but Panama (14 goals for and 15 goals against) scored more goals than Thailand (8-9).
Thailand failed to get past the first round in all their three previous World Cup appearances.
In the other Group B game yesterday, Spain beat Morocco 5-1 to seal the top spot in the group.
In Group D, title contenders Italy and Argentina advanced to the next round with impressive wins.
The Italians maintained their unbeaten record with a 5-2 win over Mexico and Argentina hammered Australia 7-1.
Mexico were eliminated after losing all their three matches, while Australia only have a mathematical chance of reaching the knockout stages as one of the four best third-placed sides.
At Hua Mark Indoor Stadium, Marco Ercolessi opened their scoring for Italy after 18 minutes.
It was not one-way traffic though as Mexico drew level three minutes into the second half through Morgan Plata.
However, Ercolessi quickly re-established Italy's lead and Rodolfo Fortino made it 3-1 soon after.
Plata reduced the deficit with a terrific goal, scooping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper Valerio Barigelli after a long solo run.
But Italy again replied almost immediately, with Fortino side-footing home from close range. Luca Leggioro's deflected goal put the match beyond any doubt.
At Nimibutr Gymnasium, Argentina overwhelmed Australia 7-1 to progress to the knockout phase as Group D runners-up and leave their opponents facing an anxious wait to discover whether they will go through as one of the best third-placed teams.
It took just 43 seconds for Argentina to take the lead when Australia goalkeeper Peter Spathis made a poor clearlance which cannoned off Cristian Borruto into his own net.
Steven Knight's men were back on level terms on six minutes thanks to Tobias Seeto's powerful strike.
That goal was greeted by loud roars from the Australian supporters, but it would be the last good thing from their team in the match.
Argentina then hit six unanswered goals for a comfortable win.
RESULTS
GROUP B
Spain 5 Morocco 1; Iran 4 Panama 3
GROUP D
Italy 5 Mexico 2; Argentina 7 Australia 1