Vietnam’s quest for the gold medal in the men’s football competition continues on track after the U23 football team crushed their counterparts, Timor Leste, 4-0 on June 7, thus securing a place in the semifinals.

Attacking midfielder Tran Phi Son headed in just 12 minutes after the opening whistle to open the scoring for the four-time finalists but the scoring board did not change until the break.

In the early minutes of the second half, Timor Leste tried to deploy their formation further forwards in order to search for goals, but it only made them more vulnerable and Vietnam quickly took chances to add more goals.

Just five minutes after the break, striker Mac Hong Quan doubled the advantage with a powerful header and skipper Que Ngoc Hai made it 3-0 with a stunning goal before winger Vo Huy Toan wrapped the match for Vietnam with a close-range shot.

With four wins from as many games, Vietnam rose to the top of the group, ahead of Thailand on goal difference.

Thailand also made it through to the last four after four wins.

Vietnam and Thailand will meet in the last match of the group on June 10.

In Group A, no team has ensured their place in the semifinals with Myanmar, Singapore and Indonesia standing better chances to reach the last four.-VNA