OZ WIN AFF WOMEN’S CROWN IN STYLE

The score at the half was 1-0.

Considering what was at stake, both teams were cautious at the start utilising only one lone striker upfront – Rattiyakorn Pra-Ang spearheading for Thailand and the speedy Caitlin Foord making the run for the Aussies.

But with Thailand and Australia packing the midfield, chances were far and in between although it was Australia who had the lions’ share of the possession with Brittany Whitfield keeping the crosses coming in from the right.

In the 20th minute, her attempt to get the better of Thai keeper Kamolthip Chanthakhai went well over the crossbar while a minute later, had no takers in front of a yawning goalmouth.

But right at the half hour mark, Australia finally broke the deadlock when off from a cross from Sharni Brown, a charging Whitfield came from the far post to slam the ball home.

Thailand ended the half coming close with an equaliser but midfielder Pranee Tanasan just could not get to an excellent through pass from Nipawan Panyosuk.

But the break would prove to be pivotal for Australia as they upped the tempo to prise open the Thai defence.

Some patient play later, the Aussies carved out their second goal of the game when Caitlin Foord picked up a short pass from Whitfield to score.

By the time Australia scored their third and fourth goal through Samathan Kerr (67th minute) and Heidi Makrillos (75th), Australia were well on the way to winning their first ever crown.

The Aussies scored the remainder of the goals through Kerr (83rd minute), Teigen Allen (88th), Foord (90th) and Emily van Egmond (90th).

In the meantime, Vietnam took the third spot in the competition when they demolished hosts Myanmar A with a 3-0 score line.

Captain Nguyen Thu Tuyet was the toast of the team when she grabbed a brace with goals in the 46th and 62nd minute penalty as substitute striker Nguyen Thi Hue then added the third goal of the game in the 70th minute.

With the score level at the half, Vietnam started strongly into the second half when captain Thu Tuyet evaded her marker Khin Than Wai to score from the edge of the Myanmar box.

The hosts tried to push forward but they just can’t seem to break through the Vietnam defence.

Thu Tuyet’s 60th minute attempt for Vietnam came off the crossbar and barely a minute later, she made it 2-0 for her side when she converted a penalty following a foul on team-mate Phan Tri Trang.

Myanmar reserve keeper Khin Thidar Aye dove the right way but was just a little out of reach.

Vietnam then wrapped up the game with their third goal of the afternoon when Thi Hue placed her header to the right of the Myanmar post.

RESULTS

Oct 18

Third/Fourth placing: Vietnam bt Myanmar A 3-0

Final: Australia bt Thailand 8-0

ROLL OF HONOUR

CHAMPIONS: Australia

RUNNERS-UP: Thailand

THIRD: Vietnam

FOURTH: Myanmar A

FAIR PLAY Thailand