THAI WOMEN TAKE FUTSAL GOLD

In the match that was played at the Hua Mak Indoor Stadium, the Thais demonstrated their comprehensive domination over their opponents when they raced to a 4-2 lead at the break.

Orathai Srimanee who was always in danger and who nearly scored in the very first minute of play, made no mistake with her second attempt in the second minute of the game.

From then on, there was no looking back for Thailand as Jiraprapa Tupsuri and Donya Litmun scored two quick goals in the fourth minute of play before Vietnam got their first goal of the match off Luu Ngoc Mai two minutes later.

Jiraprapa then got her second of the afternoon and Thailand’s fourth goal in the first half in the 16th minute as Vietnam closed the gap with just seconds remaining to the breather off a quick counter-attack from Nguyen Thi Duyen.

But the second half proved to be a lot different with Vietnam keeping it tight at the back to frustrate Thailand’s search for more goals in front of their more than 3,000 loyal fans.

The Thais only managed to score their fifth goal of the evening in the 30th minute when Orathai combined well with Hathairat Thongsri to flick the ball over Vietnam custodian Truong Kim Ngan.

IN THE MEANTIME in the fight for the bronze, Philippines made up for their early defeat in the group stage to beat Malaysia 3-1 in the match that was played earlier in the day.

The Malaysians were a shade off colour on the day as they allowed the Philippines the time and space to grab a 2-0 lead at the break with goals from Ninobla Shella in the ninth minute and then Ariel Marigen two minutes later.

The Philippines then made sure that the bronze is theirs for the taking when Ninobla slammed home her second of the afternoon in the 26th minute before Noor Asykin Mohd Noor pulled a late consolation goal in the 36th minute.