THAIS BACK IN CONTENTION; AUSSIES CLAIM SEMIS BERTH

HO CHI MINH CITY (11 Oct 2008) – Southeast Asian giants Thailand hauled themselves back into contention with a convincing 6-0 victory over Singapore while debutants Australia booked their place in the AFF Women’s Championships semifinals after defeating the Philippines 7-0.

Australia booked their place in the AFF Women’s Championships semifinals

The Aussies, who won their opening Group B match against Thailand, picked up their second consecutive win against the Filipinos, who were reduced to nine players, to book their place in the last four.

Australia have one more match against Singapore on Monday while Thailand only need a draw in their final group game against the Philippines to advance.

In today’s first match, Thailand, despite fielding several reserves, were simply too strong for their opponents.

In the first four minutes, the Thais already had two shots, from Chawong Chidtawan and Sornsai Pitsamai, hit the post.

Skipper Kaeobaen Suphaphon finally broke the duck in the 11th minute and followed up with a second in the 22nd minute.

Singapore should thank their goalkeeper, Erlinawaty Dewi Jaafar, for keeping the score down in the first half.

Thailand continued to push for more goals and got their third two minutes after the game resumed through striker Srangthaisong Sunisa.

The thais added three more from Romyen Nisa (67th), Peangthem Sukunya (70th) and Boothduang Wilaiporn (94th).

Later in the evening, Australia, who were expected to easily breeze past their rivals, were instead given a difficult time.

Despite the obvious physical difference, the Philippines held their ground and managed to keep their goal intact until the 34th minute.

After numerous close calls, Australia finally went ahead through Renee Rollason. Jenna Tristram doubled the score two minutes later.

Australia continued to pile the pressure and made it 3-0 when Rollason turned in a cross from the hardworking right flanker Amy Chapman in the 53rd minute.

Ashleigh Sykes added another in the 69th minute but it was soon after that the Philippinesbegan to implode, allowing Australia three late goals.

It all started with Ruchell Somogod Latap picking up her second booking in the 78th minute.

Soon after Tristram scored her second and Australia’s fifth.

Super-sub Victoria Balomenos, who came on in the 64th minute, scored twice within the last three minutes (87th and 90th).

It was a repeat of her performance in the opening match against Thailand where she came on in the second half and scored two goals.

Balomenos is now the tournament’s top scorer with four goals.

Balomenos’ second goal however was marred by the sacking of goalkeeper Maria Jayneth Mercado.

The Philippines custodian was red-carded for an over-zealous tackle on Balomenos.

And with all three substitutions used up, the Philippines nominated defender Josephine Luto to stand in as the keeper.

RESULTS

Group B: Singapore 0 Thailand 6, Australia 7 Philippines 0