Vietnamese players celebrate their win over Myanmar in the semi-finals of the AFF Women's U19 Football Championship (Photo courtesy of VFF) Vietnam came from behind to beat arch-rival Myanmar 2-1 in thelast match which lasted 120 minutes for extra time.
After the first 10 minutes of sussing each other out, Myanmaropened the score when forward Yin Loon Eain prized the ball from amishap between Vietnamese goalkeeper Kieu My and her defenders and shotstraight to the net.
Vietnam opened consecutive attacks to narrow the score.Coach Akira made several changes in the first half to strengthen his frontline.
Ngoc Minh Chuyen brought his plan to fruition in the 43rd minutewith a close-range header. It was Chuyen's fifth goal at the tournament and itpushed her to the top place of the best scorer table.
Myanmar upped possession in the second half forcing Akira tomake more changes to keep the match balanced. Chuyen and herteammate Luu Hoang Van had their chances but failed to score in theofficial time.
Players had to compete in the extra time. After many efforts, LeThi Trang broke through Myanmar's defence to find the back of the net at the104th minute, wrapping up the win for Vietnam.
Speaking to a reporter, Chuyen said: "It was a difficultmatch but we made it. We'll do better in the final and win. We are tired afterthis long semi-final but our spirit is 100 per cent ready”.
Coach Akira added that his players showed great effort throughdifficulties. Myanmar was under a Japanese technical director who was given asurprise by his opponent. Vietnam conceded a goal first but foughtback successfully and won.
He said there was still a match ahead for Vietnam. The finalwas his team's target. Whoever makes the final will have a tough match andVietnamese players must be very careful and focused.
Vietnam will take on Thailand, which overwhelmed host Indonesia7-1 in the other semis on July 13, in the final at the Gelora Sriwijaya onJuly 15.
Thawanrat Promthongmee scored a hattrick at the 15th,31st and 70th minutes. Anaphon Amanpong scored twice at the29th and 47th while Chattaya Pratumkul and Natcha Kaewanta netted oneeach at the 63rd and 88th minutes, respectively.
Indonesia’s only goal of the game came through Claudia Scheneumannin the 24th minute. They will play Myanmar in the third-place playoff./.
VNA
