Bangkok: Thailand will meet Uzbekistan on Thursday, to decide the third and fourth placed teams at the 2017 AFC U-20 Futsal Championship at the Bangkok Arena.
The host nation put up a good fight right to the very last minute against Islamic Republic of Iran on Wednesday, going into extra time with Worruploch Jiwjaratrong’s 40th minute equaliser. But further goals from the Iranians two minutes from time consigned them to meet Uzbekistan. Thailand’s ability to come back from a goal deficit and their incentive of playing in front of home supporters will be something the Uzbeks will need to be wary of.
Despite Uzbekistan’s 1-5 loss to Iraq on Wednesday, the Central Asians can prove to be a formidable foe against Thailand. Thailand will need to cope with Akbar Usmonov, who is the current topscorer with 13 goals, in their third and fourth place match.
THAILAND
5 wins, 2 losses
Scored: 39 goals
Conceded: 19 goals
Leading goalscorer: Muhammad Osamanmusa with 8
Thailand head coach Miguel Rodrigo
“We will begin our preparation for our match against Uzbekistan tonight. After tonight’s game against Iran, we need to recover not just physically, but mentally as well.
“I believe we can do this. We want to finish with a smile on our face. Achieving third place will be a good reward for the team."
UZBEKISTAN
4 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses
Scored: 35 goals
Conceded: 22 goals
Leading goalscorer: Akbar Usmonov with 13
Uzbekistan head coach Jose Maria Pazos Mendez
“All the teams at this stage of the competition are strong, and they are one or two ranks above us, and Thailand is no exception.
“To qualify for the semi-finals is already a success for us, and if we can achieve more, it will be good for my players and the development of futsal in Uzbekistan.”
Photos: AFC
Source: the-afc.com