Thailand edged through to the semi-finals of the AFC Futsal Championship with a 5-2 victory over Australia at Nimibutr Stadium. 

Source the-afc.com

BANGKOK – Thailand edged through to the semi-finals of the AFC Futsal Championship with a 5-2 victory over Australia at Nimibutr Stadium.

The hosts were in front throughout after Eakapong Suratsawang scored twice in the first seven minutes and they went on to seal a last-four match against China and qualification for the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil later this year.

Australia were without captain Lachlan Wright and Christopher Zeballos through supension, while Ukrit Taengtung was banned for the hosts, who had won all three of their preliminary round matches.

Jose Maria Parzos Mendez feared Australia's physicality prior to the match but his Thailand side swiftly eased his concerns.

Eakapong scored a quickfire double to put Thailand in the ascendancy.

Fernando Lima de Moraes pulled one back for Australia after 14 minutes but Thailand reclaimed their two-goal advantage shortly before half-time.

Panomkorn Saisorn netted after 17 minutes to give the hosts, who were backed by a vociferous support, a 3-1 lead.

Australia tightened up in the second half and held Thailand at bay before Ekkaphan Suratsawang was dismissed for a second yellow card with 15 minutes remaining.

Scott Gilligan's side pulled a goal back three minutes later when De Moraes scored his second of the game, tucking in from a tight angle.

But Thailand captain Panuwat Janta eased the pressure on his side, scoring from close range with five minutes remaining.

Gilligan was forced to resort to power-play tactics but Australia could not take advantage of the extra player in attack and Panomkorn dispossessed the last defender before walking the ball into the net for his second and Thailand's fifth.