VIETNAM'S KIM HONG CONVERTS TWO PENALTIES TO SETUP FINAL SHOWDOWN WITH AUSTRALIA

HO CHI MINH CITY (18 Oct 2008) – Vietnam stunned Thailand 2-1 this afternoon to set up an exciting final showdown with Australia, who defeated Myanmar in the other AFF Women’s Championship semi-final match at the Thanh Long Stadium here today.

The Aussies however, paid a very heavy price for their 5-1 win when they had two players sent off.

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

Kim Hong netted the first penalty in the ninth minute and maintained her cool to double the score from the spot just two minutes after resumption.

Beaten by Thailand in the SEA Games final last year, it was sweet revenge for Vietnam today.

For their efforts in front of over 2,000 fans, Vietnam will face debutants Australia.

Thailand, runners-up in this tournament last year, fought throughout the match and managed to reduce the deficit in the 49th minute.

Romyen Nisa’s header came off the crossbar but she made sure the rebound went right in.

The Thais, who were clearly not at their best especially in the first half, struggled to get their engine room working.

They managed to pick up the pace after the break but the early penalty made it tough for them.

“They were good in most departments, especially in the midfield where they took control. They had good tactics, good attitude and good spirit. Their level of concentration was very high,” said assistant team manager Sopit Panomai.

“It was a close battle; in fact it has always been close when we both play. We were satisfied with the performance of our girls. They fought all the way and never gave up to the end.”

Vietnam coach Chen Yunfa said both teams played positive football.

“Our players managed to pressure the Thai midfield throughout. I was very satisfied with our players; they did well although they wasted several opportunities. It was a good game for our team.”

“Now, our concentration shifts to the final … we have one day to prepare for it,” said the Chinese coach.

In the second somewhat bruising semi-final tie, Australia, as expected, took charge of the game and opened the floodgates in the third minute.

But it was disaster for them in the second half when defender Clare Polkinghorne picked up her second booking in the 74th minute.

It was a double whammy when hardworking flanker Amy Chapman followed her team-mate off the pitch with a second yellow card just four minutes later. Both will miss the final match against Vietnam.

Australia were four goals up in the first half and managed one more in the second half.

Australia’s goals were netted by Chapman (3rd minute), Yesim Servet Uzunlar (19th), Lauren Colthorpe (27th), Jenna Tristram (42nd) and Kim Carroll (67th, pen).

Myanmar, against the run of play, pulled one back in the 76th minute when Aye Nandar Hlaing converted a penalty.

In the final stages of the match, with Australia down to nine players, Myanmar pressured for more goals but failed to find the target.

The third and fourth placing playoff will be held at 3pm while the final will kick-off at 6pm on Monday.

TODAY’S RESULTS

SEMIFINALS: Vietnam 2 Thailand 1, Australia 5 Myanmar 1

FIXTURES

Oct 19: Rest Day

Oct 20: FINAL – Vietnam vs Australia

PREVIOUS RESULTS

Group A

Oct 8: Myanmar 1 Vietnam 3, Indonesia 0 Laos 1

Oct 10: Vietnam 4 Indonesia 0, Malaysia 0 Myanmar 7

Oct 12: Myanmar 7 Laos 0, Malaysia 0 Vietnam 11

Oct 14: Laos 3 Malaysia 1, Indonesia 0 Myanmar 6

Oct 16: Malaysia 0 Indonesia 3, Laos 0 Vietnam 6

Group B

Oct 9: Australia 2 Thailand 0, Philippines 3 Singapore 1

Oct 11: Singapore 0 Thailand 6, Australia 7 Philippines 0

Oct 13: Thailand 12 Philippines 0, Singapore 0 Australia 6