Thailand got off to a winning start to the 2012 Futsal World Cup with a 3-1 win over Costa Rica at Hua Mak Indoor Stadium last night.
Dancers perform at the opening ceremony of the Fifa Futsal World Cup 2012 at the Hua Mak Indoor Stadium in Bangkok. The tournament began yesterday and will end on Nov 18. PATTANAPONG HIRUNARD
Suphawut Thueanklang, Keattiyot Chalaemkhet and Jirawat Sornwichian were on target for the hosts. Dutch coach Victor Hermans' side topped Group A after Paraguay drew 3-3 with Ukraine.
With the victory, Thailand can look forward to getting past the first round for the first time in their fourth World Cup appearance.
After the opening ceremony, presided over by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the home team started strongly against Costa Rica, with striker Suphawut Thueanklang causing problems for the Concacaf champions.
The Thais took the lead after 18 minutes when Keattiyot smashed the ball into the net to the delight of the flag-waving home fans.
Suphawut made it 2-0 nine minutes into the second half before Diego Zuniga cut the deficit to 2-1.
But a minute later Jirawat restored Thailand's two-goal cushion.
''I am happy and proud of my team,'' said Hermans.
The top two teams from each of the six groups and four best third-placed sides advance to the knockout stages.
Earlier, Enmanuel Ayala scored a hattrick but that was still not enough for Paraguay to secure all three points. After completing his hat-trick to give Paraguay a 3-2 lead, Ayala was sent off for diving. Ukraine then fought back to earn a 3-3 draw.
In Group C at Chatchai Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Portugal sealed a comfortable 5-1 victory over Libya.
In the other Group C match, defending champions Brazil beat Japan 4-1.
