Vietnam take Taipei for Coal Open tourney

The Vietnam National team defeated Chinese Taipei 2-0 to take the Vietnam Coal Open Women”s Football Tournament at Quang Ninh”s Cua Ong Stadium yesterday.The Vietnam National team defeated Chinese Taipei 2-0 to take the Vietnam Coal Open Women”s Football Tournament at Quang Ninh”s Cua Ong Stadium.

Vietnam consecutively threatened Chinese Taipei”s net, but goalie Yinh Wu, in prime form, blocked most of the shots.

Just four minutes after the break, however, Vietnam upped the score to 2-0. Taipei”s defender made another mistake, giving the ball to striker Le Thi Oanh, who had no problem putting the ball past the goalie into the far right corner.

To claim the title, Vietnam had to win by at least two goals, while Chinese Taipei only needed a draw. Recognising the importance of the match, Vietnam played aggressively, opening consecutive attacks, while the defenders maintained their net”s safety.

Chinese Taipei tried to narrow the score, putting in three substitutes in the forward line, but failed to take accurate shots.

Meanwhile, Vietnam”s coach, Mai Duc Chung, emphasised defence in the last minutes of the game.

This was Vietnam”s third consecutive title at the tournament, bagging a VND50mil (US$3,200) award.

“I was satisfied with my players” performance. They overcame every problem from previous games. This victory will be a good confidence builder for us in the coming events, especially the 23rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the Philippines next month,” Chung said after the match yesterday.

Hosts Cua Ong ranked second, and national team members Bui Thi Thu Trang and Le Hoai Thu were honoured as best goalkeeper and player of the tournament.

The national midfielder Van Thi Thanh was presented with three goals in three matches.

Chinese Taipei went home with third prize. The young Indian players lost all their matches but were given the fair-play prize of VND10mil ($633).

(VNS)