AFC Futsal Championship SF: Uzbekistan v Thailand preview

Dilshod Rakhmatov bagged a brace and Nodir Elibaev was also on the scoresheet as Pazos's side advanced to the semi-finals for the second successive continental campaign and also booked their place at the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Colombia.

And the three-time runners-up, who have never failed to reach the final on home soil, will go into the match at Uzbekistan Stadium looking for a repeat of the last time they played Thailand in the tournament in 2007 when they ran out 3-2 victors.

“For the first time in this tournament we will not be the favourites so I hope we can play without feeling so much pressure,” said Pazos.

“Thailand are a very offensive team, they’re not going to wait for our mistakes, they’re going to try and attack us. But I think this will be better for us because they like to go forward so they also let you play.

“I’m sure it’s going to be an attacking game, an exciting game, and I hope my players are finally going to feel freer.”

Uzbekistan defeated Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan and Lebanon to top Group A on maximum points before Wednesday’s last eight win over Iraq.

“They know us very well and I know them very well. I was in Thailand for six years – four with the national team and the previous two at Chonburi,” added Pazos.

“I managed six of their players at Chonburi. They know my systems, movements and even set pieces, so we know how each other plays.

“Before the tournament, everyone would have said Thailand would be favourites if the two teams met, but I hope we can play well and the fans can help us close the gap.”

Opponents Thailand, meanwhile, secured an impressive 6-1 quarter-final scoreline over Australia on Wednesday with Jirawat Sornwichian, Wiwat Thaijaruen, Jetsada Chudech and the tournament’s 10-goal top scorer Suphawut Thueanklang all among the goals.

Successive wins over Tajikistan, Chinese Taipei and Vietnam saw Victor Hermans’ side advance in pole position from Group C ahead of the clash with the Futsalroos.

And following the Dutchman’s announcement that he will retire after the Futsal World Cup in September, the Southeast Asians will want to put on a good show as they seek to return to the final for the first time since 2012.

“We need to improve our pressing; when you are near a defender and you can reach them then we should press, but only with one player, not two, or we can get in trouble,” said Hermans.

“I only have half my team here; nobody knows that my best players are still in Bangkok. But the last performance was not what I wanted and we can get 50% better.”

Hermans was at the helm when Thailand finished runners-up to Japan four years ago in the United Arab Emirates, and he will now look to bow out of the continental tournament on a high after an impressive career.

“We achieved our goal to reach the World Cup and this will be the last one. I’ve made up my mind that this is the end,” said Hermans after his side’s quarter-final victory over Australia.