Action from Uzbekistan-Thailand game, Photo by: AFC/Noriko Hayakusa

OSAKA: Central Asian heavyweights Uzbekistan produced a stunning return to form at the time when it was most needed, downing high flyers Thailand 3-2 at the Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium on Tuesday to seal the quarterfinal berth. Uzbekistan’s qualification for the second stage came at the expense of Iraq, who lost their second match of the Championships to the previously winless and goalless Kuwait 5-2. Thailand made it to the last eight stage as the second team from the group. Prolific marksman Abdulla Buriev scored twice for the Uzbeks, taking his tournament tally to five, with Hurshid Tajibaev adding another. For Thailand, Panuwat Junta and Ekkaphan Suratsawang provided the goals. An apathetic shadow of their previous Championships form in their opening two matches, Uzbekistan looked an invigorated and inspired outfit as they put Thailand, arguably the form team of the tournament, to the sword over forty gripping minutes. Uzbekistan’s upset win has breathed fresh life into their campaign, which seemed in disarray following their opening day loss to qualifiers Iraq. Significantly, Uzbekistan’s win over their Group B rivals sees them avoid a likely clash with tournament favourites Japan in the next round, as should teams be equal on points at the conclusion of the group stage, the head to head record between teams is used to determine the final standings. “It was a difficult game, such games only come about once a year – it was almost like the game that we experienced in the last Championships again Japan,” said Uzbekistan assistant coach Pavel Bezglyadnov.

“I’m very proud of my players, they had a great game today.”

The final quarter of the match was as frantic and chaotic as any period of play witnessed at these Championships, with Thailand pressing forward in great numbers, including sacrificing ‘keeper Somkid Chuenta for captain Janta, in a bid to reduce the three-goal lead Uzbekistan had established by the 29th minute.

The daring move paid immediate dividends for the Thai’s, who reduced the margin to two within seconds of adopting their method of all out attack.

Unfortunately for the current ASEAN Futsal Championship title holders, by the time Suratsawang’s goal on forty minutes found the back of the net, their first loss at these Championships was all but confirmed. “Today I’m happy because the game was a tough one, I enjoyed it because both teams played a tight game,” said Thailand coach Piemkum Pattaya.

“It was a good experience for my team to play Uzbekistan ahead of the quarter finals.” Iraq went into the match as the favorite, but Kuwait didn't seem to notice as they salvaged some pride with a 5-2 victory The early stages of the game Kuwait attacked more as Iraq seemed content to soak the pressure early on.

There were a few half chances and mostly shots from long distance.

Around the tenth minute Kuwait finally had cause to celebrate as Ahmad Al Asfour found Hamad Al Osman, who tucked it away for a 1-0 lead to Kuwait.

The Iraqi’s upped their intensity to find the equalizer almost immediately.

The goal came on a corner kick with Abdul Karim Radi with the finish, the first half ended 1-1.

The second half of the game opened up as Kuwait finally started to click.

Early in the period they took a 2-1 lead after a fantastic goal taken by Hamed Alotaibi.

Iraq also upped their attacking a notch and soon scored their second goal on a long range strike by Ali Abbed.

This led to a more open last few minutes with Kuwait adding a couple of more goals.

First on a shot from Hamed Alotaibi and finally Mahammed Al Naqi on a spin and volley, which he might have handled before tucking away.

The final score was a satisfying 5-2 for the Kuwaitis.

“Kuwait played well and in a very sporting manner,” said Iraq coach Kadeem Kamas.

“It is an honor to participate in the championships in spite of all the problems in Iraq.”