AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2024 now sealed two spots for the semi-final after Uzbekistan beat Vietnam, while Thailand fought back to defeat Iraq in the quarter-final.
AFC Futsal Asian Cup – Thailand’s epic comeback to beat Iraq
The host struggled but made ends meet to put the home fans in a wild celebration.
Therdsak Charoenphong’s dramatic late winner saw hosts Thailand defeat Iraq 3-2. The victory meant a semi-final meeting with Tajikistan at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand 2024 and a ticket for the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup, which will take place in Uzbekistan this September.
Iraq were the better side with the early lead thanks to goals from Salim Al Husaynat and Tareq Sulaiman. However, Thailand’s Alongkorn Janphon responded in the final moments of the first half to reduce the deficit at half-time.
Alongkorn’s equalizer after the restart set up a grandstand finish, and Therdsak’s winner with just over a minute remaining saw Thailand reach the final four of the continental competition and ensure participation in the FIFA Futsal World Cup for the seventh time in a row.
Uzbekistan edged Vietnam to seal Semi-final spot
Vietnam reached their fifth consecutive quarter-final in the Asian futsal cup competition, and its battle against a futsal powerhouse was impressive, even though it ended in defeat.
Both sides were equal in chances, but top-10 futsal goalkeeper Ho Van Y from the Vietnam futsal team was excellent with save after save. The Southeast Asian side had the late first-half lead thanks to a set-piece with Thinh Phat being the scorer. However, Uzbekistan had their equalizer and finally made the comeback with late goals in the second half.
Uzbekistan sealed their place in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand 2024 semi-finals and became the next team after Thailand to be in the World Cup despite being the host.
While Uzbekistan will continue their bid to win the continental title for the first time in the semi-finals against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Vietnam’s hopes of qualifying for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024 depend on navigating a playoff.
Other results
Fayzali Sardorov’s extra-time winner saw Tajikistan edge out Afghanistan 2-1 in Wednesday’s AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Thailand 2024 quarter-final to secure a place in the semi-finals for the first time and qualification for a maiden FIFA Futsal World Cup.
The Islamic Republic of Iran booked their place in the semi-finals of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand 2024 after defeating the Kyrgyz Republic 6-1 in their last-eight tie at the Bangkok Arena on Wednesday.
The win meant the 12-time champions punched their ticket to the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024, with a meeting against Uzbekistan.
