WORLD CUP FUTSAL 2016: Thailand advances, Vietnam will compete with Panama

Thailand continued to show formidable strength when entering the round of 16 with second place in Group B. Meanwhile, in the battle of the third-place teams, Vietnam's main opponent will be Panama.

In the final match of Group B, Thailand won an important 2-1 victory over Egypt to finish with 6 points. Thus, the Southeast Asian representative has advanced in second place in Group B, behind Russia (9 points). They will meet the second team in Group F, which will be Azerbaijan or Iran, in the round of 16. This is the second time in a row that Thailand has advanced to the group stage of the World Cup, after the first time in 2012, when they were the host country.

Thailand won an important 2-1 victory over Egypt

Meanwhile, this defeat leaves Egypt with only hope of advancing thanks to being among the four best six third-placed teams. That hope is well-founded because they currently have the best goal difference in the third-placed teams' standings. With three points, Egypt are currently in first place with a goal difference of 9-9. Next are Costa Rica (Group B, 5-5), Iran (Group F, 6-8), Vietnam (Group C, 5-9), Panama (A, 6-14), and Australia (4-13).

Of these, Panama is the team that has finished playing and the goal difference has stopped at -8, after they lost to host Colombia 3-4 in the last match of Group A. Thus, to be sure to be ranked above Panama in the third-place rankings, Vietnam will not be allowed to lose to Italy by more than 3 goals.

This is also identified as the main competitor with Vietnam for the 4th position in the ranking of third-placed teams. With the worst goal difference (-9) and having to face a higher-rated opponent, Ukraine, Australia has little hope of advancing thanks to the spots of 4/6 best third-placed teams.

Vietnam will have to minimize the number of goals conceded in the match against Italy.

Right above Vietnam on this ranking is Iran, a futsal powerhouse in the continent, with 3 points, but a goal difference of -2. In the last round, Iran will face a fairly evenly matched opponent, Azerbaijan, so it is difficult for Vietnam to compete with them on goal difference. Competing with Costa Rica and Egypt is even more unthinkable.

But 4th place out of 6 third-placed teams is a task that coach Bruno Garcia and his team can reach if they play with real focus and determination in the final match against Italy.

According to Thethaovanhoa