Thailand interim coach Sirisak Yodyardthai is eyeing the scalp of South Korea or China after an "incredible" turnaround that saw the War Elephants earn a ticket to the knockout stages at the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
The Thais came from behind to draw 1-1 with the UAE on Monday and progressed to the next round as Group A runners-up behind the hosts.
In the other Group A match, an injury-time Bahrain penalty floored India 1-0 and denied the cricket-mad nation a historic spot in the Asian Cup knockout phase.
In the last 16 on Sunday, the War Elephants will meet Group C runners-up who could be South Korea, led by Tottenham forward Song Heung-Min, or China, under the guidance of 2006 World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi.
"It's incredible that this has happened,'' said Sirisak.
"Whoever we meet next, we will fight hard. We will work harder to handle China or South Korea. From now it's a bonus. Anything can happen in football. You may have more possession but in the end you are a loser."
At Al Ain's Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, UAE forward Ali Mabkhout, top scorer at the 2015 Asian Cup, netted after just seven minutes for Alberto Zaccheroni's side only for Thailand midfielder Thitiphan Puangjan to equalise four minutes before half-time.
Sirisak declared himself "very happy" to have guided Thailand into the knockout stages of the continental championship for the first time in 47 years.
In their previous six appearances in the Asian Cup, Thailand got past the first round only once in 1972 when they finished third in a six-team event.
Sirisak was appointed caretaker coach after the Football Association of Thailand sacked Milovan Rajevac following the team's 4-1 embarrassing loss to India in their opening match.
Under the former Thai Honda boss, the War Elephants have beaten Bahrain 1-0 and drew with the UAE.
"Before the game today [Monday], I was worried because coming into this match we knew it would be tough against the hosts, but we were well prepared. I'm very happy for the Thai fans," said the 49-year-old coach.
"After the defeat against India, things weren't looking so good for our team and when I came in and things needed to changed. We infused determination and motivation into the team and in the last two games I could see the players were determined to do better and get a positive result. I'm very proud and very happy and so grateful that we have made history for the Thai national team."
Thailand midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin said his team can now beat any side.
"Today, it is a historic day for the Thai national team and every player," said the Consadole Sapporo playmaker.
"Our strong points are our spirit and unity. In the next round, we have to be 'hungrier'. I think we can beat them all."
Thailand midfielder Sanrawat Detchmitr has been forced to withdraw from the team due to a back injury.
The True Bangkok United star is expected to fly back to Thailand today.
Meanwhile, India coach Stephen Constantine stepped down on Monday after his team lost to Bahrain.
India were moments away from reaching the knockout phase for the first time before Jamal Rashid converted a dramatic penalty to shatter their dreams.