VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam set up today’s exciting final showdown against Australia in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship with a 2-1 victory over Thailand last Saturday.

Viet Nam spent yesterday preparing to meet Australia and secure a coveted win. (Photo: VNN)

Vietnamese flanker Tran Thi Kim Hong converted two penalties, one in each half, to ensure her team’s place in today’s final.

Hong netted the first penalty shot in the ninth minute and maintained her cool to double the score from the same spot just two minutes after the break. It was sweet revenge for Viet Nam who lost their fourth straight Southeast Asian (SEA) Games crown to traditional winner Thailand in the final last year.

It was also the second victory for the host team over Thailand this year, who lost 0-1 to Viet Nam at the Asian Cup 2008.

Thailand, second place winners in this tournament last year, fought throughout the match and managed to reduce the deficit in the 49th minute.

Romyen Nisa’s header bounced off the crossbar but she made sure the rebound hit for a score.

The Thais, who were clearly not at their best, struggled to boost their energy. They managed to catch up with the high pace of the match after the break but the early penalty put a strain on team morale and the going was tough.

“It was an eventful semi-final match. Both Vietnamese and Thai players played with enthusiasm, showing a lot of progress after the 24th SEA Games,” said Chen Yun Fat, head coach of Viet Nam.

“I’m satisfied with my players, especially their performance in the first half. They showed that they know how to create pressure on their rivals.”

“However, the host team should have more than two goals. My strikers wasted several opportunities and adjustments to the line will be made for the final,” Fat added.

Viet Nam spent yesterday preparing to meet Australia and secure a coveted win.

On the Thai side, coach Chana Yodprang said that “a 2-1 result with Viet Nam is a reasonable result. In general, Vietnamese and Thai players play at the same level, Viet Nam were better in this match and earned a decisive win.”

“They played well over the entire field, especially in the midfield where they took control. They played with good tactics and good spirit. Their level of concentration was very high,” said assistant team manager Sopit Panomai.

After the match, the Vietnamese team immediately received a bonus of VND750 million (US$44,600) for their great victory.

Panomai expressed interest in seven Vietnamese players. He hopes they will accept an offer of a scholarship to study and play football in Thailand.

As expected by fans, Australia took charge of the game from the beginning and opened a floodgate of scoring early in the third minute of the second semi-final contest.

Australia were four goals up in the first half and topped off with another in the second half.

But disaster struck in the second half when defender Clare Polkinghorne picked up her second yellow card in the 74th minute.

It was a double whammy when hardworking flanker Amy Chapman followed her teammate out of the match with her second yellow card just four minutes later. Both will miss the final match against Viet Nam.

Myanmar’s Aye Nandar Hlaing converted a penalty to earn a score on the board.

(Source: Viet Nam News)