Thailand 2-0 Kyrgyzstan

Thailand dominated the first period but squandered a number of chances, with the usually dependable Kritsada Wongkaeo failing to make the most of the chances that came his way although in fairness to Kritsada – top scorer with 16 goals as the Thais won the 2012 AFF Futsal Champions last April – he did also draw a couple of fine saves from Kyrgyz keeper Kiril Ermolov.

Kyrgyzstan started the brighter of the two in the second period and after showing some nimble footwork to create an opportunity Rustam Ermekov slotted the ball past Surapong Tompa only to see his shot go the wrong side of the Thai keeper and captain's right-hand post.

The Thais upped a gear soon after and despite skilfully crafting a number of opportunities they were to be continuously frustrated by the heroic keeping of Ermolov.

Ermolov was finally beaten with seven minutes left on the clock when Apiwat Chaemcharoen got on the end of a Suphawut Thueanklang cross before Sarawut Jaipech's powerful angled drive following a slick counterattack sealed the win with a minute-and-a-half left to play.

"This was a very exciting game and we have a very talented young squad that has just won our 17th game on the road," said Thailand coach Victor Hermans, who admitted that the enthusiasm of his young charges almost got the better of them.

"The problem is they always like to play attack and I thought maybe this would cause us a problem at the end but thankfully we kept the score to zero and we scored twice so I am happy."

Kyrgyzstan coach Amirzhan Mukanov conceded that the better side on the day had won and said that it was the Thais' pace that the Central Asians found difficult to deal with.

"This was a very hard game and I think our opponent was stronger than us and certainly much faster.

"We had a great chance to get back into the game when we were 1-0 did but luck was not with us in this situation.

"We had our chances and Thailand had their and they took them so I must congratulate the Thais on their victory."