Nares steers Thais to final
A hat-trick from Nares Numpakdee gave Thailand a place in the final of the 2015 Deaf Futsal World Cup competition yesterday.
Thailand edged Russia 3-2 in the semifinal at Nimibutr Gymnasium and will meet Iran, 3-2 winners over the Netherlands in the other semi-final, in the title showdown which is scheduled for tomorrow at the same venue.
The hosts had finished top in Group A in the round-robin first round of the five-a-side tournament to reach the semifinals, while the Russians were runners-up in Group B.
Thailand had several chances but Jamrong Bona’s attempts were warded off by Russia goalkeeper Dmitrii Galin. The Russians also had an opportunity when Sergey Evstratenko sent his shot flying over the bar.
Two minutes before half-time, Russia netted their first goal through Alexander Pavlyukovich.
Thailand rallied in the second half and met quick success when Nares hit the target following a swift counter-attack by Arnothai Sathiyamas to make it 1-1.
The home team kept mounting the pressure and were rewarded in the 25th minute when Jamrong set up unmarked Nares with a cross.
The Russians equalised in the 32nd with a goal from Evstratenko, but the hosts picked up the winner four minutes later when Nares had a quick exchange with Chakkawan Sitthikarn before striking home to complete his hat-trick.
The Thai women’s team face Iran in a 7th/8th place play-off today.