AFC Futsal Asian Cup
Goals from Salim Al Husaynat and Tareq Sulaiman put Iraq in a strong position early on before Alongkorn Janphon responded in the final moments of the first half to reduce the deficit at half-time.
Alongkorn’s equaliser after the restart set-up a grandstand finish and Therdsak’s winner with just over a minute remaining saw Thailand take their place in the final four of the continental competition and ensured participation in the FIFA Futsal World Cup for the seventh time in a row.
Iraq will need to wait for the result of the last quarter-final tie between Uzbekistan and Vietnam to find out if their time at the tournament has ended or will be extended to Friday’s play-off semi-finals.
A delighted Thailand head coach Miguel Rodrigo praised his players for remaining focused.
“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.
“During half-time, I had try and calm down the players, and bring that composure back. The crowd was amazing. Without them we cannot win this match. When you overcome two red cards and suffer like we did, and still keep fighting then it’s almost like a superpower."
“The last minute of the game was crazy, but I was completely sure that if Iraq played the power play, we would have the chance to get a chance to score and we did it."
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.”
Both sides made a nervy start to the match with frequent turnovers and misplaced passes, and it was from one of those that Iraq took the lead.
Sulaiman forced Thailand to concede possession just inside their half and Al Husaynat pounced on the loose ball, took a few steps forward, and thundered a shot past Arut Senbat with just over two minutes played.
Sulaiman forced Thailand to concede possession just inside their half and Al Husaynat pounced on the loose ball, took a few steps forward, and thundered a shot past Arut Senbat with just over two minutes played.
Backed by their passionate home support Thailand responded and on the midway point of the first half went inches from a leveller as Apiwat Chaemcharoen’s rising shot from the angle slammed against the underside of the crossbar and away.
Having survived a flurry of Thailand attacks, Iraq found a second on 16 minutes in a moment that Senbat will want to erase from his memory.
The Thailand goalkeeper left his area with the ball at his feet but upon turning back towards his goal his pass was loose and latched upon by an opportunistic Sulaiman who rolled the ball into an unguarded net.
With two minutes left to half-time Thailand reduced the deficit as Jirawat Sornwichian played a set-piece across the box to Alongkorn who drilled home.
But in the final minute of the half there was still further drama as Apiwat received his marching orders for a dangerous high challenge.
Thailand were able to weather the man disadvantage without conceding further but Iraq went close to restoring their two-goal cushion when Hader Al Ogaili hit the post from range on 23 minutes.
And not long after being restored to their full complement of players the hosts ill-discipline cost them again as Muhammad Osamanmusa received his second yellow card and was sent off with Thailand down to four men once again for another two-minute penalty period.
After once more surviving being down to four men, Thailand then found parity on 31 minutes as Therdsak laid the ball off to Alongkorn and his low shot found its way through Zaher Mahdi to raise the roof on the venue.
Iraq launched a series of powerplays to try and restore their lead and Thailand took full advantage with just over a minute remaining.
Narongsak Wingwon regained a loose ball and Therdsak grabbed the spectacular winner from deep within his own half with no goalkeeper at home to send the delirious bench and supporters alike into wild celebrations.
Related News
- AFC U23 Asian Cup
No pressure on Indonesia says Rizky, Byun warns Korea Republic against complacency
- AFC Cup
Late goals send Mariners into final
- AFC Futsal Asian Cup
IR Iran turn on the power
- AFC Futsal Asian Cup
Tajikistan edge Afghanistan to create history
- AFC U23 Asian Cup
#AFCU23 Vote for your best goal of the group stage
Item 1 of 5