Thailand's futsal team secured their place in the 2024 Fifa Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan in September after reaching the semi-finals of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup.
Therdsak Charoenphong struck a dramatic late winner as Thailand survived a two-goal deficit and two sending-offs to stun Iraq 3-2 in the quarter-finals at Indoor Stadium Hua Mark on Wednesday night.
They will play Tajikistan, who edged Afghanistan 2-1 in extra time, in the semi-final today.
Former champions Iran will face Uzbekistan in the other semi-final.
Salim Al Husaynat (3rd minute) and Tareq Sulaiman (17th) put Iraq ahead before Alongkorn Janphon's response in the final moments of the first half reduced the deficit at half-time.
Alongkorn then equalised on 31 minutes and Therdsak's winner with just over a minute remaining saw Thailand take their place in the last four of the tournament and ensured their participation in the Fifa Futsal World Cup for the seventh time in a row.
Apiwat Chaemcharoen was red-carded for a dangerous high challenge in the final minute of the first half while Muhammad Osamanmusa received his second yellow card on 24 minutes.
"What a game! It was a very tough game, very tough mentally for us. In the first half, we were out of control. Iraq could have even scored more than two goals. But we didn't surrender and the goal we scored to make it 2-1 changed the dynamic of the game," said Thailand's futsal head coach Miguel Rodrigo.
Iraq head coach Cacau said his side paid the price for not taking their chances.
"On two occasions, Thailand were down to four players and we couldn't take advantage of this despite creating so many chances.
"We had a big chance to qualify for the Fifa Futsal World Cup and maybe we just lacked a little bit of focus and concentration. As a coach, I take responsibility for that. I just want to thank my players because they fought well and deserved to qualify."