FIFA Futsal World Cup: Thai fans keeping fingers crossed for Serbia/Russia win

PHUKET: With the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012 preparing for its final four matches of the group stage tonight, local fans will be closely monitoring the results, which will have an impact on the fate of the Thailand national squad.

Despite losing two of its three Group A matches, this year’s hosts, Thailand, may still advance to the second round of the prestigious World Cup finals – which would be the first time in four appearances – if it finishes as one of the best third placed teams.

Of the six groups of four teams, the four best third placed teams will advance to the second round, along with the respective winners and runners up of each group.

To qualify, the War Elephants are looking at four scenarios as follows:

If Group F’s Solomon Islands defeat Guatemala: possible, not likely.

If Group F’s Russia squash Colombia by seven goals or more: possible, but difficult.

If Group E’s Kuwait trumps Egypt by five goals or more, possible, not probable.

If Group E’s Serbia beats the Czech Republic: probable and not difficult.

Match schedule is as follows:

5pm
Colombia vs Russia will be broadcast on terrestrial channel 9
Solomon Islands vs Guatemala will be broadcast on cable T-sport

7pm
Kuwait vs Egypt will be broadcast on cable T-sport
Serbia vs Czech Republic will be broadcast on terrestrial channel 9

10 teams have already secured their spot in the second round. These are: Brazil, Portugal, Japan, Ukraine, Paraguay, Spain, Iran, Panama, Italy and Argentina.

Unless something drastic happens in tonight’s matches, Russia and Serbia will also qualify as winners of their respective groups.

— Steven Layne