VIETNAM HAMMER MALAYSIA 11-0 TO SEAL SEMIFINAL BERTH

Striker Bui Thi Tuyet Mai blasted four goals, twice in each half, to steer Vietnam to the biggest victory of the tournament here so far.

Vietnam remain unbeaten after three matches and top Group A with a maximum of nine points.

While Vietnam are through, defending champions Myanmar won a second straight game, defeating Laos 7-0 in another Group A match here, to move a step closer to the semifinals.

Vietnam, who scored victories against Myanmar and Indonesia, have one final preliminary match against Laos but that will not make a difference to their position as the group leaders.

With Australia set to finish as group winners after tomorrow’s matches, Vietnam are likely to take on archrivals Thailand in an exciting semifinal match-up.

The Aussies will then take on Myanmar in the other semifinal showdown.

In today’s evening match, Vietnam totally outclassed a Malaysian side that is severely lacking in many areas.

The Malaysians could only keep their opponents at bay for 12 minutes, after which the floodgates blew wide open.

Striker Do Thi Ngoc Cham, who headed home a cross from right flanker Tran Thi Kim Hong, was the first name on the scoresheet followed by four-goal scorer Tuyet Mai in the 36th minute.

Under intense pressure from the forwards, Malaysian Rozeinie Du Silah, in her haste to clear the ball, inadvertently turned it into her own net. That was in the 38th minute.

Vietnam’s other goals were netted Tuyet Mai (41st, 69th, 79th), Van Thi Thanh (43rd), Le Thi Thuong (55th, 65th), Ngoc Cham (74th) and Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet (89th).

Malaysia’s Chinese coach Zhang Hong said that Vietnam were too good.

“Vietnam are very experienced. We, on the other hand, are here to participate and learn and gain experience from the better teams. We are learning with every match. We only have five players from the previous squad, the rest are young and inexperienced players.”

Vietnam’s Chinese coach Chen Yunfa said that he had warned his players before the Malaysian game to be careful of all teams including Malaysia.

“We had a plan and I’m pleased to say that I was very satisfied with their attitude throughout the game. We maybe in the semis but we have to concentrate on one match at a time … let’s play Laos then think about the semifinals.”

In the earlier match, Myanmar, who lost their opening tie to Vietnam and defeated Malaysia two days ago, won for the second time today to enhance their chances of making the semifinals.

Myanmar scored their goals through Yee Yee On (43rd, 45th), Naw Ar Lo Wer Phaw (64th, 67th), My Nilar Htwe (72nd, 83rd) and Than Than Htwe (89th).

Myanmar have one more group match left against Indonesia and a victory will be enough to confirm their place in the semifinals.

TODAY’S RESULTS

Group A – Myanmar 7 Laos 0, Malaysia 0 Vietnam 11

REMAINING FIXTURES

Oct 13: Group B – Thailand vs Philippines, Singapore vs Australia

Oct 14: Group A – Laos vs Malaysia, Indonesia vs Myanmar

Oct 16: Group A – Malaysia vs Indonesia, Laos vs Vietnam

Oct 18: SEMIFINALS

Oct 20: FINAL

STANDINGS

Group A
1. Vietnam 9pts (+17)
2. Myanmar 6pts (+12)
3. Laos 3pts (-6)
4. Indonesia 0pts (-5)
5. Malaysia 0pt (-18)

Group B
1. Australia 6pts (+9)
2. Thailand 3pts (+4)
3. Philippines 3pts (-5)
4. Singapore 0pt (-8)