Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bangkok: Thailand claimed third place at the 2017 AFC U-20 Futsal Championship on Thursday following a comfortable a 8-1 win over Uzbekistan.
Having suffered semi-final heartache only 24 hours earlier, Thailand were quick out of the blocks at the Bangkok Arena, Muhammad Osamanmusa scoring within sixty seconds and Weerasak Srichai doubling the host nation’s advantage just two minutes later.
Sarawut Phalaphruek came close to further extending Thailand’s lead when his attempt struck the post, before Witsanu Meemakbang made no mistake to claim his second goal of the tournament on 13 minutes.
With the break fast approaching, Meemakbang earned his brace by converting a Phalaphruek’s cross to complete an impressive first half display by the Southeast Asians.
Panut Kittipanuwong’s added to Thailand’s tally shortly after the restart, and - with Uzbekistan’s Ilhomjon Hamroev sent off following a second yellow card - Tanachot Sosawaeng scored from ten yards.
Phalaphruek and Ronnachai Jungwongsuk duly joined the goal frenzy as Thailand continued to defend resolutely despite Uzbekistan impressing on the counter.
Ravshan Ismattulaev’s 32nd minute was a mere consolation as head coach Miguel Rodrigo’s Thailand saw out the rest of the game to secure third place at the inaugural AFC U-20 Futsal Championship.
Thailand: OSAMANMUSA 1’, SRICHAI 3’, MEEMAKBANG 12’, MEEMAKBANG 20’, KITTIPANUWONG 21’, SOSAWAENG 25’, PHALAPHRUEK 26’, JUNGWONGSUK 31’
Uzbekistan: ISMATTULAEV 32’
Thailand head coach Miguel Rodrigo
"Before the game today, we really wished to give joy to our home supporters. Although we were tired from yesterday's game, we ended today with a smile on our face.
"Uzbekistan put up a good fight physcially and mentally, and I congratulate them and Jose Maria Pazos Mendez for reaching the semi-finals.
"I've been here for almost a year now, and it's been my pleasure to play and train with the Thai national team."
Uzbekistan head coach Jose Maria Pazos Mendez
"I am really proud of my team's performance today, eventhough we lost.
"But I hope this tournament and the teams Uzbekistan help the growth and development of futsal in Uzbekistan, especially when young kids are starting to give more attention to futsal.
"I hope that the fans back home are proud of this team, that reaching the semi-finals is a big success"
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