Champion Vietnam has taken a step closer to defending its women’s SEA Games football title after defeating Malaysia 4-0 in a semi-final match on December 18.

In the finals, Vietnam will face the winners of the match between Thailand and hosts Myanmar.

Vietnam’s goals were scored by striker Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, who scored a double, midfielder Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung and striker Huynh Nhu.

As being a winner in Group A, Vietnam entered the match as favourites with Vietnam dominating possession and Malaysia playing on the defensive.

The Malaysia’s side intention of defending with large numbers on the half of the pitch and waiting for opportunities to pounce came unstuck from the very beginning, as Vietnam quickly established an early lead.

In other football news, Vietnam qualified for the finals in futsal (indoor football) after drawing 3-3 with Malaysia in the last match, in a five-team competition played in a round-robin format.

With one point from the match, Vietnam ranks second with seven points after four matches to set up a final against Thailand on December 20.

By 10 pm on December 18, Vietnam maintained its second place in the medal tally with 54 golds, 52 silvers and 62 bronzes. Thailand continued to lead the Games with 73 gold medals and host Myanmar jumped to the third place with 53 golds.-VNA