Thailand stun 10-times champions Iran

Dubai: South East Asian champions and 2012 Fifa Futsal World Cup hosts Thailand rode on a last-gasp strike from hat-trick man Thueanklang Suphawat in extra-time to upset 10-time champions Iran 5-4 in the semi-final of the 2012 AFC Futsal Championship at the Al Wasl Club's indoor hall here yesterday.

Playing before a capacity crowd rooting for both teams, it was the Thais who showed better composure to claw their way back from a two-goal deficit and book their place in tomorrow's final where they will face the winners of the second semifinal between Japan and Australia.

"For me the most important thing is to see that we can compete against much better teams like Iran. This means that all the hard work that we have put in is reaping benefits," Thailand coach Hermans Victor Jacobus told Gulf News.

Dominance

Iran, 8-3 winners over Uzbekistan in the final two years ago, have seen their dominance cut down by teams like Thailand and Japan in recent times. In fact, it is Japan who has denied Iran a merciless hold on the Asian title after winning the crown in 2006.

Yesterday's first semi-final was a thrill to watch as Thailand fought gallantly with their backs against the wall. Iran's star player Shamsaee Vahid — Asia's top goalscorer for the past seven editions and also the top international goalscorer of all time — did what he does best by opening the scoring in the fourth minute.

Three minutes later, Hussain Tayebi poked in a second to put the Asian champions up 2-0. But the Thais were in no mood to give up as Thueanklang Suphawut scored midway through the half to make it 2-1 in favour of Iran at the half-time whistle. Iran regrouped well in the second half and their hard work bore fruit when Javad Asgharimoghaddam made it 3-1.

However, Thailand was far from finished as a penalty conversion from Suphawat in the same minute gave them some hope.

And Jirawat Sornwichian poked in the equaliser in the 33rd minute to send the match into ten minutes of extra-time.

Golden chance

That was when Chaemcharoen smashed in a thunderbolt giving no chance to Iranian goalkeeper Mustafa Nazari, only to see Iran come back with an equalizer in the second period of extra-time through Shamsaee and make it 4-4.

Thailand got a golden chance to settle the issue when they were awarded a penalty with one minute remaining.

But Suphawat's effort was saved by goalkeeper Nazari. However, Suphawat had the last laugh when he smashed in from near the half-way line with only 35.7 seconds remaining to help the World Cup hosts for only their second appearance in the Asian final.

Today is a rest day and the final and third place play-off will be held at the Al Wasl Club tomorrow.