BANGKOK (10 Nov 2012) – Thailand might have made the final 16 teams of the FIFA Futsal World Cup thanks largely to the Solomon Islands, but the hosts could not have gotten a harder opponent than former champions Spain – whom they will face tomorrow.
After two days of nail-biting tension, it was Solomon Islands of all teams who came to Thailand’s rescue. Having ended up in third in Group A on Wednesday, the fate of coach Vic Hermans’ team was out of their hands as they hoped to be one of the four best third-placed finishers to reach the knockout rounds.
On Thursday, Thailand were rooting for Iran against Panama, but the Central Americans scored in the closing seconds to make it 4-3, overtaking the Thais on goal difference in the process. Yet in an unexpected twist, Solomon Islands surprisingly beat Guatemala 4-3 on Friday evening, much to the delight of the hosts.
FIXTURES (All kick-off times are local)
11 November
Paraguay vs Portugal 1600
Ukraine vs Japan 1900
Spain vs Thailand 1830
Iran vs Colombia 2100
12 November
Italy vs Egypt 1600
Brazil vs Panama 1830
Russian vs Czech Republic 1830
Serbia vs Argentina 2100
SOURCE: FIFA. com
