THAIS MAKE SURE OF TOP SPOT IN THE GROUP

In another Group B match, Vietnam could only manage a 6-0 win over Brunei which was not enough for the hosts to overhaul Thailand at the top of the group for them to remain on second spot.

The results tonight meant that Vietnam are likely to take on Myanmar – the Group B winner – in the semi-finals on August 7.

Against Cambodia, Thailand led 3-0 at halftime and needed only two more goals to ensure that they would be ahead of Vietnam on goal difference.

Vietnam had beaten Cambodia 4-0 on the opening day of the competition last Tuesday while the pair-up between Thailand and Vietnam had ended 1-1.

The Thais piled another four goals after the interval against a tired Cambodian side that lost all its matches in this competition.

The Thais took just 13 minutes to open their accounts against the Cambodians when Nirunrit Jaroensuk headed in a corner taken by Maitri Kulabkhaw.

The Cambodian defence was porous on its left side which allowed Sarawut Masuk to break through which went into goal off the far post.

With a minute to go to halftime, Nirunrit added another goal with a left-footed drive, this time from the right side of the Cambodian defence.

Goals by Thailand came with greater ease in the second half as the Cambodians wilted under the pressure and from their own lack of fitness.

Thai striker Wanthon In-Uthen (57th and 63rd minutes), Kroekrit Thawikan (71st) and Yodrak Namueangrak (73rd) ensured that Thailand gained the goals that kept them safely on top of Group B.

In the other Group B match also played at the same venue, Vietnam were kept waiting by Brunei until the second half before they could score for a 6-0 win that was not enough for them to over take Thailand at the top of the table.

Brunei had enough quality to keep Vietnam scoreless in the first half but lack of fitness saw them succumb after the break.

Vietnam’s goal spree began within a minute of the resumption through Nguyen Van Quan who headed in off a free kick taken by Chu Ngoc Anh.

They completed the rout with goals from Hoang Van Binh (56th minute), Nguyen Van Quan (85th) and Nguyen Dinh Hiep (64th, 73rd and 86th) for the final scoreline.