Wang Wei and Liang Shuang also scored twice to again end Thailand’s hopes of a first AFC Futsal Championship title in 11 attempts as China advanced to Friday’s semi-finals.

Thailand are regarded as one of Asia’s strongest futsal sides, but coach Jose Mandez had been unhappy with the mistakes made in the 5-2 win over Vietnam on Tuesday despite the victory securing top spot in Group C with a 100% record.

Zhang opened the scoring at Uzbekistan Sports Complex after just two minutes only for Suphawut Thueanklang to equalise for Thailand six minutes later.

China, though, hit back a minute later through Zhang and substitute Wang before striker Zhang Xiao struck three minutes before half-time to open up a three goal cushion for the Group D runners-up at the break.

Panuwat Janta gave Mandez’s Thailand, who scored 19 goals in their three wins over Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam and Korea Republic in the group stage, hope of a comeback eight minutes into the second half.

But Liang restored the three goal advantage two minutes later before a quick double from Li Xin and Zhang three minutes later gave China the initiative in the closing stages.

And Wang and Liang each added second goals in the final 10 minutes to seal the emphatic victory for Guilherme Da Silveira’s China, who only secured their place in the last eight after holding on to secure a 7-6 victory over Iraq in Tuesday’s final game in Group D.