Bangkok Post – Thais outplay Belarus, set up showdown with Saudis

Thailand moved to within one win of their second straight Continental Futsal Championship title after defeating Belarus 3-1 in the semi-finals at Nonthaburi Gymnasium on Saturday night.

The hosts were to face Saudi Arabia, the world No.50 in the Fifa rankings who routed Taiwan 5-0 in the other last-four encounter, in last night’s final.

Thailand Futsal coach Miguel Rodrigo said: “It was an amazing match because we played our game in our own style.

“We pressured Belarus throughout the match very well and it was a match that made me happy with our offensive game. Our defence was also good during powerplays.

“It’ll be a good thing if we can keep playing like this, it shows that we can play with any team in the world. The important thing is that we made the fans come to watch us at the venue.”

The hosts had topped the Group A table while Belarus were the runners-up of Group B.

Itticha Praphaphan set up Worasak Srirangpirot with a free-kick for Thailand’s first goal early in the first half.

Thailand were more dominant after the break.

In the 34th minute, the hosts doubled their advantage when Sarawut Phalaphruek opened the ball to Muhammad Osamanmusa to score before Worasak netted his second of the night to make it 3-0.

Belarus’s only goal came during the last minute of the match from Andrei Semianiuk.

Victory for Kirins

Muang Thong United defeated PT Prachuap 3-1 in an exhibition match for the Special Olympics Thailand at Thunder Dome Stadium on Saturday night.

Melvyn Lorenzen scored two goals for the Kirins with Emile Roback adding the third.

The Killer Wasps got their only goal in the 76th minute when Airton Tirabassi headed from close range.