Anxious Wait for Thailand in FIFA Futsal World Cup

BANGKOK (8 Nov 2012) – Hosts Thailand have some anxious waiting to do to find out if they can finish among the best third-placed teams after losing to Paraguay 3-2 last night in Group A of the FIFA Futsal World Cup last night.

“The beginning was a bit better than against Ukraine but I was scared again when the score went to 3-0. Then my team started playing and scoring goals. In the end we only lacked that bit of luck that would have brought us the equaliser,” said Vic Hermans, the chief coach of Thailand.

In the match that was played at the Huamark Indoor Stadium, the hosts went into the match knowing that a win would take them through but they endured a nightmare start, falling three goals behind inside the opening ten minutes.

Adolofo Salas scored the first with a low shot from wide on the right that sneaked inside the far post, and Emmanuel Ayala – back from suspension – doubled their lead with a shot high into the roof of the net, his fourth goal in just two matches.

Thailand were actually dominating in terms of possession and shots on goal at this stage, but clinical Paraguay made them pay again soon after when Juan Salas side-footed into the unguarded net after Prakit Dankunthod had parried at the feet of Jose Luis Santander. It was looking grim for the Thais at this stage, but their customary comeback began just a minute later when star player Suphawut Thueanklang reacted first to shoot low into the net after a frantic penalty box scramble.

The goal was greeted by a huge roar by the magnificent home support, and the excitement in the stands reached fever pitch five minutes into the second half when Victor Hermans’ side drew level. This time, Paraguay were caught out by Apiwat Chaemcharoen’s quickly taken corner, which the alert Jetsada Chomboon blasted high into the net.

The fans urged their team forward in search of an equaliser but composure was all too often lacking from the Thais’ energetic attacking play, and they now face an agonising wait before discovering if their FIFA Futsal World Cup adventure is at an end.