FUTSAL WOMEN: THAIS TO FACE VIETNAM IN FINAL

BANGKOK (Dec 11, 2007) – Hosts Thailand, cruised into the final of the SEA Games women’s futsal tournament when they whipped the Philippines 9-2 at the Hua Mak Indoor Stadium this afternoon.

Thailand will face Vietnam, who defeated Malaysia 3-1 in the other semi-final, in the battle for the gold medal on Friday.

Thailand, who are the favourites to sweep both gold medals in the futsal competition, had a tough start and only managed to crack their opponents’ defence in the 12th minute through Hathairat Thongsri.

And once they did, there was no stopping them.

Two players Sasicha Phothiwong and Jiraprapa Tupsuri scored two goals each while the others were netted by Nipa Tiansawang, Nipaporn Sriwarom, Chownee Phanlert and Warinda Patisng.

To their credit, the Philippines managed to breach the Thai defence twice through Artus Glaiza and Ruffy Francine in the 25th and 39th minute.

Meanwhile, Vietnam came alive after the break to defeat Malaysia and earn the right to meet Thailand in Friday’s final.

Vietnam snatched the lead through Nguyen Thi Mai Kim in the 19th minute but Malaysia levelled the score ten minutes later through Rozana Roslan.

In the last five minutes of the match, Vietnam sealed the victory with goals from Phung Thi Minh Nguyet (35th) and Nguyen Thi Noa (38th).