AFC Women's Asian Cup 2008 Qualifiers: Vietnam crush Iran 4-1

Vietnam gained an easy 4-1 win over Iran in the opener of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers held at the Thanh Long Sports Complex stadium in Ho Chi Minh City on March 24. 

Vietnam had an easy win to lead the table

The visitors appeared to be not as strong as it was previously thought in terms of skills, strength and tactic. Meanwhile, Vietnam were strengthened by captain Doan Thi Kim Chi’s return just before the qualifiers.

Vietnam took the lead just 18 minutes into the game following the goal by Van Thi Thanh, who won the 2003 Golden Ball title. The goal came from a pass by Kim Chi.

Thanh and her teammates showed excellent performance in the midfield, blocking all routes to the host’s penalty area. Meanwhile, the Iranian team which was set up just three years ago faced a strong and well-organised Vietnamese defence and their long ball tactics were foiled.

Striker Do Thi Ngoc Thanh doubled the score to end the first half with 2-0 advantage forVietnam.

Vietnam continued to dominate the second half and Ngoc Cham met a cross with a close header to net the ball, marking her second goal in the 50th minute.

The hosts missed many good opportunities to widen the gap while Iran had a rare successful attack in the 80th minute. Striker Hashemi tapped the ball in after her teammates’ failed attempt.   

Later, Vietnam added another goal by Bui Thi Phuong to cement their 4-1 win to lead the table of Group A. In other match of the same group, Chinese Taipei defeated Myanmar 3-0.

Tomorrow, Vietnam will meet Chinese Taipei in their second match.

Only the top two teams from each group will qualify for the final round of the 2008 Women’s Asian Cup which will take place from May 28 to June 8 in Malaysia.