Thailand came from behind to defeat Cuba with a remarkable 8-5 scoreline and secure a much-needed three points at the FIFA Futsal World Cup on Tuesday.
It took five minutes for the first goal to get the scoreboard ticking over, but after that the match became a frenetic and chaotic affair, albeit a hugely entertaining one.
Both teams lost their opening matches, so the level of desperation in Medellin’s Coliseo Ivan de Bedout was clear from the outset.
Cuba’s Sandy Dominguez scored the opening for Cuba who raced to a 4-2 lead, only for Thailand to crucially pull a goal back through Suphawut Thuenklang on the stroke of half-time.
Thailand built upon that momentum, but it was until midway through the third quarter that the south-east Asians finally claimed the lead as captain Kritsada Wongkaeo netted to make it 6-5.
Thuenklang was arguably the star man for Thailand, and he completed a treble late on, highlighted by a spectacular long-range effort.
The win leaves Thailand in sight of repeating qualification to the Round of 16, which they did as hosts four years ago.
Thailand will complete their Group B commitments with a match against Egypt, while Cuba will face Russia.
