Hosts cruise into final
16 May 2008
BANGKOK - Thailand qualified for the final of the AFC Futsal Championship in emphatic fashion with a 7-3 victory over China at Nimibutr Stadium. Thailand produced a fine performance to dominate the large majority of a semi-final from which there was only ever going to be one winner once the hosts had established a comfortable lead. Thailand had the game's first chance when Panuwa Janta's corner found the on-rushing Lertchai Issarasuwipakorn but his close-range effort was well blocked by keeper Zheng Tao and Lertchai then stabbed the rebound wide. But the hosts took the lead soon afterwards when Lertchai played in Panomkorn Saisorn and he slipped the ball past the onrushing Zheng as the partisan crowd erupted. Thailand doubled their advantage when Prasert Innui crashed home a right-footed shot and it soon became 3-0 as a quick break saw Panuwa feed Panomkorn and he produced a composed side-foot finish to sweep the ball past Zheng. The Chinese keeper stopped his side falling further behind when Natthapon Suttiroj's scuffed shot fell into the path of Anucha Munjareren but Zheng made an excellent reflex save. Liu Xinyi gave China hope after he worked an opening and despatched a left-foot shot into the roof of the net but it was soon extinguished when Anucha found the top corner despite slipping as he shot. Thailand then extended their lead to 5-1 before the interval when Eakapong Suratsawang's corner was backheeled by Anucha and skipper Panuwa smashed the ball home. Prasert netted Thailand's sixth after the break with a deflected strike before Tanakorn Santanaprasit broke clear and slid the ball past Zheng. China notched their second goal when Li Jian held off a defender before producing a low finish and Liu grabbed his second of the game when Thailand keeper Somkid Chuenta failed to stop his weak shot. A brief scuffle by the touchline saw Zheng booked before Zhang Xiao was also shown yellow for a retaliatory tackle as Thailand cruised to victory.
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