Head сoach Jose Maria Parzos Mandez still has concerns with Thailand's attack even though they fired 11 past Indonesia

BANGKOK - Panuwa Janta helped Thailand to get off to a winning start in the AFC Futsal Championship after he netted the only goal in a 1-0 Group B victory over a stubborn Iraq side in front of a raucous crowd at Nimibutr Stadium.

Despite enjoying the majority of the possession and plenty of chances, the hosts found Iraq keeper Utaly Abdulqader in inspired form, while his defence produced a number of last-ditch tackles to keep them in the game.

Thailand made most of the early running with Abdulqader mainly keeping the hosts, and Panuwa Janta, at bay almost single-handedly.

But Janta eventually made the breakthrough with an impressive strike, smashing a left-foot shot into the roof of the net after some neat approach play that left Abdulqader with no chance as he watched the ball fly past him.

Abdulqader then did well to beat out a ferocious volley from Prasert Innui, who went close again as the half drew to a close.

The Iraq keeper made a smart stop to keep out Ekkaphan Suratsawang at the start of the second period as he continued to deny Thailand before Innui fired over on the turn from close-range.

Iraq were always a threat on the break with Hussein Ali going close before Abdulqader produced another fine save when closing down Suratsawang after Thailand had worked an opening.

Iraq saw a late free-kick fly narrowly over the bar but they could not find an equaliser as Thailand held on, much to the home fans' delight.