Courtesy: Bangkok Post


Futsal: Thais lose 7-1 to Spain

11/11/2012

European champions Spain easily dispatched Thailand 7-1 to set up a quarter-final match with the winner of the Russia-Czech Republic clash in the FIFA Futsal World Cup.

The defeat at Nimibutr Stadium on Sunday officially knocked the Thai team out of the tournament.

Having won all five of their previous meetings, all of which were friendlies, the European champions were firm favourites to progress and their Asian opponents looked cautious as they tried to gain a footing in the game.

Thailand were cheered on by a vocal crowd but it didn't help them to fall quickly behind with the first Spanish goal coming in the ninth minute. It sparked a brief but spirited rally by the War Elephants who tested Spain a number of times, but goal scorer Torras gained a double just before half-time, converting a cross at the far post.

After switching ends, La Roja went about winning the game in a calm and controlled manner befitting their tag as one of the tournament favourites. Thailand tried to give the crowd something to cheer about but the Spaniards were ruthless in punishing their attacking forays.

Spain made it 5-0 before the midpoint of the second-half.

Thailand took the bold step of removing their goalkeeper in a bid to find their way back into the game, but they were made to pay for their cavalier approach. Kritsada Wongkaeo gained a consolation goal for Thailand at the 39th minute.






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com