“How we attacked like tonight if we keep playing like this, I believe we have a good chance of reaching the final,” said a beaming Sodikov, whose side could clinch a knockout stage spot and their ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 with victory against China PR on Sunday.

“I am happy to have created opportunities for my teammates. They did well to find space for themselves and it was easy to find them in goalscoring positions."

Sodikov’s mazy run took him past several Thailand players before finding Khasanov for the finish, and for the second goal he made the perfect lay-off for Sarsenbaev to smash home. 

The 17-year-old, who plays for Odil Junior, was substituted in the 56th minute after he was brought down by a heavy challenge but Sodikov, who idolises Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal, brushed off any concerns of a serious injury.

Thailand coach Jadet Meelarp, meanwhile, bemoaned Phurinat Poolkamlang's 54th minute red card as his side chased the game at 2-1.

“The red card changed the game for us. If it was 11 versus 11, we would have gone on the attack especially in the final 20 minutes. But when we were a man down, our players had to play out of position and our opponents capitalised,” he said.

Thailand now face a huge clash against Saudi Arabia, who are in prime position to qualify to the knockout rounds, having beaten China PR 2-1.