Late winner sends champions to final
A later winner by substitute Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyen ten minutes into extra time sent defending champions Vietnam through to the final of the 24th SEA…
A later winner by substitute Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyen ten minutes into extra time sent defending champions Vietnam through to the final of the 24th SEA Games as they beat bitter rivals Myanmar 2-1.
Minh Nguyen came off bench and struck home the winner with skipper Doan Kim Chi the provider. Kim Chi equalised for Vietnam in the second half after San Yu Naing opened the scoring in the first half.
Playing against one of the favourites for the gold medal at the 24th SEA Games, Vietnam coach Zhen Yunfat recalled veterans Van Thi Thanh and Nguyen Thi Mai Lan, who did not start in Vietnam”s first two games against the Philippines on December 5 and Laos on December 8.
The Vietnam side had the first chance on two minutes when skipper Kim Chi called Myanmar goalie May Khuin Yamin into a fine save.
The Myanmar side, who are currently Southeast Asian champions, were dangerous in counter attacks.
Five minutes from half-time, San Yu Naing broke the deadlock for Myanmar, producing a quick finish after a back pass from Khin Marlar Tun. San”s finish gave Vietnamese goalkeeper Dang Thi Kieu Trinh no chances.
Vietnam responded almost immediately with Nguyen Mai Lan heading just wide after a fine cross by Van Thi Thanh from the right flank.
After the break, the Vietnamese champions played aggressively in the quest for the equaliser and were rewarded four minutes into the second half.
Do Thi Ngoc Cham broke on the left flank before flicked in a good pass for skipper Kim Chi to fire home the equaliser.
Extra time was required as the two sides were locked at a 1-1 draw after time and Kim Chi became a hero as she set up substitute Minh Nguyet, who scored the winner after two consecutive attempts after ten minutes. Minh Nguyet”s first attempt was blocked by goalie Khin but the Ha Tay-based forward quickly slotted home the rebound.
The Myanmar side did not give up at all, increasing pressure on the Vietnamese defence, but the champions held firm to reach the SEA Games finals for the fourth time.
In another semi-final match, hosts Thailand faced no troubles from minnows Laos, winning 8-0 to secure a berth in the final with Vietnam on December 13.
Nhan dan
