THAILAND THROUGH TO THE FINAL

Vietnam, winners of last year’s inaugural tournament, were stunned by early goals in both halves that left them having to play catch up. In the end, despite trying as hard as they could, Vietnam were unable to get the goals and had to settle for competing for third place this year

Thailand, stunned 1-0 by Myanmar in their last group match two days ago, recovered superbly to defeat the reigning champions. With the match just two minutes old, Thai Sunisa Srangthaisong headed in a near-perfect cross from skipper Suphaporn Kaeobaen.

Suphaporn, clearly one of the best players here, nearly doubled the score in the ninth minute but her powerful freekick that beat the wall was safely punched away by goalkeeper Dang Thi Kieu Trinh.

Although they continued to press forward, Thailand were unable to make it past the now alert Vietnam defence. Vietnam also created some chances for themselves but none of their shots were on target.

Soon after the break, Vietnam suffered another major blow when striker Nisa Romyen broke free of her markers down the left and scored her seventh goal of the tournament. That goal was absolutely crucial for it extended Thailand’s comfort zone.

It was all over for the Vietnamese in the 62nd minute when the nippy Chidtawan Chawong slammed in the third goal. It was her fifth goal here so far.

Channa Yodprang, Thailand’s head coach, said the good weather and ground conditions provided the platform for a good football. “It was really a good game and I would like to congratulate the Vietnam players. Credit to my players too, they wanted to win and played with their hearts,” said Channa.

Vu Le Bang, Vietnam’s assistant coach, admitted that the Thais were the best side in the region. “The early goal made it very difficult for us, it affected our style. We tried our best but Thailand were the better side. They have many good and skilful players … they play very modern football,” he said.

VIETNAM: Dang Thi Kieu Trinh, Nhieu Thuy Linh, Nguyen Thi Mai Lan, Tran Thi Kim Hong, Dao Thi Mien, Do Thi Ngoc Cham, Bui Thi Tuyet Mai, Van Thi Thanh, Daon Thi Kim Chi (c), Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh, Le Thi Thuong.

THAILAND: Waraporn Boosing, Thidarat Wiwasikhu, Duangnapa Sritala, Wilaiporn Boothduang, Junpen Seesraum, Nisa Romyen, Sunisa Srangthaisong, Chidtawan Chaiwong, Pitsamai Sornsai, Sukunya Peangthem, Suphaporn Kaeobaen (c).