Thailand booked their place in the knockout stages of the Fifa Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan after defeating Cuba 10-5 in their second Group B match on Tuesday night.
After allowing Cuba to draw level at 3-3, Thailand's quality shone through as they dominated the second half. They moved to six points and secured their place in the last 16 after Brazil defeated Croatia 8-1.
Cuba put Thailand under pressure when goalkeeper Arun Senbat was unable to stop Cristian Valiante's fourth-minute goal.
The Thai team would not be behind for long and two minutes later, they were back on level terms after captain Jirawat Sornwichian set up Krit Aransanyalak with a back-heel.
The Thai side took the lead on 12 minutes through Ronnachai Junwongsuk before Suphawut Thueanklang added a third two minutes later.
However, Cuba struck through Cristian Morejon and Dayan Cotilla to send both teams into the break on level terms.
Thailand came back strong in the second half and took the lead in the 26th minute when Alongkorn Janphon's free-kick teed up Suphawut for a thunderous finish.
Thailand then moved up to 6-3 up through Itticha Praphaphan and Mohammed Osamanmusa widened the gap further with a strong counter-attacking play.
Although Cuba pulled a goal back through Iduan Martinez in the 30th minute, the Thais galloped away again two minutes later through Apiwat Chaemcharoen.
The Thais sealed an emphatic victory with goals from Mohammed (37th minute) and Sarawut Phalaphruek (39th minute).
Thailand futsal coach Miguel Rodrigo said: "When you play with the wrong mindset, it can be dangerous. After a win like that against Croatia, it's only human to lower your concentration levels.
"We struggled in the first half against their speed, but in the second, we were able to control the game with our rhythm."
Mohammed won the Player of the Match award. The Thais will play their last group stage game with five-time champions Brazil on Friday.
After allowing Cuba to draw level at 3-3, Thailand's quality shone through as they dominated the second half. They moved to six points and secured their place in the last 16 after Brazil defeated Croatia 8-1.
Cuba put Thailand under pressure when goalkeeper Arun Senbat was unable to stop Cristian Valiante's fourth-minute goal.
The Thai team would not be behind for long and two minutes later, they were back on level terms after captain Jirawat Sornwichian set up Krit Aransanyalak with a back-heel.
The Thai side took the lead on 12 minutes through Ronnachai Junwongsuk before Suphawut Thueanklang added a third two minutes later.
However, Cuba struck through Cristian Morejon and Dayan Cotilla to send both teams into the break on level terms.
Thailand came back strong in the second half and took the lead in the 26th minute when Alongkorn Janphon's free-kick teed up Suphawut for a thunderous finish.
Thailand then moved up to 6-3 up through Itticha Praphaphan and Mohammed Osamanmusa widened the gap further with a strong counter-attacking play.
Although Cuba pulled a goal back through Iduan Martinez in the 30th minute, the Thais galloped away again two minutes later through Apiwat Chaemcharoen.
The Thais sealed an emphatic victory with goals from Mohammed (37th minute) and Sarawut Phalaphruek (39th minute).
Thailand futsal coach Miguel Rodrigo said: "When you play with the wrong mindset, it can be dangerous. After a win like that against Croatia, it's only human to lower your concentration levels.
"We struggled in the first half against their speed, but in the second, we were able to control the game with our rhythm."
Mohammed won the Player of the Match award. The Thais will play their last group stage game with five-time champions Brazil on Friday.
