With 42 seconds on the clock and the game tied at 2-2, Thailand needed a last-gasp intervention from Worasak to secure a thrilling victory.
Worasak, who started the game from the bench, scored his third goal of the tournament after collecting a pass from Sarawut Phalaphruek at the edge of the area, beating Tajikistan captain Dilshod Salomov on the turn before squeezing his shot past keeper Firuz Bozmamadov.
“Congratulations to Tajikistan for playing a good game,” said Worasak, who was named Player of the Match. “They are a strong and skillful team. I knew from the start that we would be tested. We started the game really slow but we improved as the match progressed.”
“It was a tight contest with the score at 2-2, however, the players have a good understanding. We are always encouraging each other. In the end, we scored the winner and we’re in the semi-finals.
“I want to express my gratitude to the Thailand fans, they motivated us throughout the match and since our first game here in Kuwait.”
Thailand will now face the toughest of opponents in Iran but Worasak said the players are not worried about facing the 12-time champions.
“Iran are only slightly better than us. We faced Iran in a friendly before the tournament. In fact, we almost beat them. Iran were leading by two goals but we struck twice to level the score. If it was not for a last-minute goal, we would have beaten them.”
“We are confident of beating them and Iran should feel the pressure, not us.”