AFC U-20 Futsal Championship QFs - Indonesia v Thailand preview

Published on: 21 May 2017

Bangkok: A mouthwatering Southeast Asian derby awaits when Indonesia meet host nation Thailand in the AFC U-20 Futsal Championship quarter-finals on Monday at the Bangkok Arena.

Indonesia’s noteworthy Group Stage performances led to an identical record to that of Japan, with Indonesia duly named Group B winners following Saturday’s drawing of lots. The ASEAN hotshots can lay claim to the tournament’s best comeback yet, Samuel Eko’s hat-trick goal bagging a last gasp equaliser against Japan with only four seconds of the match remaining - proof positive that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the last eight.

Meanwhile, Thailand excelled during their first four matches in Group A, as they recorded win after win and scored 27 times in the process. Roared on passionate home support, the Thais had been expected to finish top of their group after confirming their place in the last eight thanks to an 8-1 thrashing of Afghanistan, but they succumbed to defeat against an inspired Iraqis side to set up an eagerly anticipated clash with their regional rivals.

INDONESIA - winners Group B

2 wins, 2 draws, 8 points.
Scored: 15
Conceded: 9

Leading goalscorer: Syauqi Saud with 6

Indonesia head coach Yori ver der Torren

“Our momentum moving into the quarter-finals has slowed somewhat due to the two days of rest we have had, but we have also had an extra day to prepare. Thailand have always performed well on the international stage, and to play them is a good test for the team.

“This is our first international outing as a team, we have done very well with our results so far and the team will also have to prepare mentally to play in front of Thailand’s home supporters, something which is essential to develop young players.”

THAILAND - runners-up Group A

5 wins, 1 loss, 12 points
Scored: 30
Conceded: 10

Leading goalscorer: Muhammad Osamanmusa with 7

Thailand head coach Miguel Rodrigo

“Going up against Indonesia is going to be tough. Their last minute equaliser against Japan is something to be on wary of in our match, and it would be a mistake to think otherwise.

“I believe [a good] defence is a key quality of any great team. We defended perfectly in our match against Afghanistan, but we changed to our offensive tactics against Iraq and that was our mistake. We will definitely be working on this against Indonesia and in our future matches.”

Photos: AFC

Source: the-afc.com

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