AUSTRALIA, THAILAND CLAIM TOP TWO SPOTS AS SINGAPORE AND PHILLIPINES BID FAREWELL

Australia, who had already secured their place in the last four after winning their second match, defeated Singapore 6-0 to confirm their place as the group leaders.

Thailand, despite whipping the Philippines 12-0 today, had to settle for the second spot in the group which means they will probably face hosts Vietnam in the semifinals.

Australia will likely take on Myanmar in the other semifinals.

The Aussies, who defeated Thailand and Singapore in earlier group encounters, did not waste much time getting their scoring act on the road today.

After only six minutes, Lauren Colthorpe blasted her team ahead.

To Singapore’s credit, the players did not crumble and continued to fight on.

In fact, Australia had to wait until the 22nd minute before doubling the score, again through Colthorpe.

The Singapore defence rallied together and bravely put the brakes on the speedy Aussie strikers, ensuring the score remained 2-0 at the break.

Australia managed four goals in the second half – Ashleigh Sykes (50th), Jenna Tristram (69th), Victoria Balomenos (77th, pen) and Ella Mastrantonio (91st) – but that figure could have easily been three times more had it not been for the outstanding efforts of goalkeeper Tan Eng Chiu.

She was indeed the hero and best player of the match and must have stopped at least 10 close range on-target shots.

She was in her element and earned praises all round including from Australian coach Alistair Edwards. “She was simply brilliant … the score could have been very different.”

“Singapore played very well tonight, they were prepared to face us but in the end we just had a little too much firepower. We are blessed with many capable players and so have many options to choose from,” said Edwards.

“It looks like now we will face Myanmar in the semifinals and we are looking forward to the game.”

In the other match this evening, Thailand went on a rampage and scored the biggest win of the tournament thus far, eclipsing Malaysia’s 11-0 loss to Vietnam the previous day.

The Thais, despite the scorching heat, exploded on the field and struck within the first minute through Chawong Chidtawan.

It was obvious that they were eager for goals and continued to pile on shots at the Philippines goal.

It was tough for the defence as their main goalkeeper, Maria Jayneth Mercado was sitting out a mandatory suspension following the red card she picked up in the previous match.

Her stand-in, Rachelle Siega Delos Reyes tried her very best but her inexperience between the posts showed clearly.

In the 49th minute, Philippines replaced Mercado with Samantha Camille Dacanay Nierras, but that did not make much difference as the hungry Thai strikers did not relent in their search for more goals.

In the end, Thailand went on to score 11 more goals through Seesraum Junpen (9th, 30th), Peangthem Sukunya (15th, 20th), Srangthaisong Sunisa (47th), Maijarern Annotsara (55th), Sornsai Pitsamai (61st, 76th), Romyen Nisa (74th, 88th) and Kertsombun Wajee (79th).

TODAY’S RESULTS

Group B – Thailand 12 Philippines 0, Singapore 0 Australia 6

REMAINING FIXTURES
Oct 14: Group A – Laos vs Malaysia, Indonesia vs Myanmar
Oct 16: Group A – Malaysia vs Indonesia, Laos vs Vietnam
Oct 18: SEMIFINALS
Oct 20: FINAL