Vietnam to Face Uzbekistan in Futsal Asian Cup Quarterfinals

Uzbekistan, a formidable side with a roster of tall and technically skilled players, won all three of their group stage matches at the championship.

They demonstrated their strength in their final group-stage match by staging a comeback to defeat Saudi Arabia 3-1.

Although Vietnam suffered a 1-2 loss to Thailand, they still qualified for the next round, finishing second behind the Thais in their group, ahead of Myanmar on goal difference.

Sunday’s match against Thailand was dominated by early chances, with Suphawut Thueanklang narrowly missing a goal in the first minute.

Despite both teams competing fiercely for possession, Thailand had better opportunities even though Vietnam’s defense remained solid, thwarting multiple attempts.

The game’s first goal came in the 12th minute when Muhammad Osamanmusa scored for Thailand with an assist from Jirawat Sornwichian, but Vietnam quickly equalized after half-time with Tu Minh Quang’s goal.

The match continued with high intensity, culminating in Thailand regaining the lead in the 30th minute through Worasak Srirangpirot’s decisive strike.

The 2-1 victory propelled Thailand to the quarterfinals as Group A’s winners, while both Myanmar and China were eliminated following their 3-1 match on the same day.

In the quarterfinals, Thailand will meet Group B’s runners-up Iraq.

The AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2024 is being hosted by Thailand from April 17 to 28, featuring 16 teams, with the top four qualifying for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024 in Uzbekistan.

Since Uzbekistan are the hosts and will automatically qualify, if they reach the semifinals, a play-off will determine the final Asian representative at the World Cup, which is scheduled to run from September 14 to October 6.