Vietnam
earned a ticket to compete in the semi-final after ranking first in Group A,
while Malaysia placed second in Group B.
However, Vietnam struggled in the game on November 1, allowing the visiting
side to dominate the match from early on. Within only five minutes, from the
10th to the 15th, Malaysia scored four goals in quick succession.
After the break, the hosts used more aggressive tactics in search of goals, but
were stopped by the posts and outstanding performance of the Malaysian goalie.
After that, two Vietnamese players received red cards and were forced to leave
the game, practically destroying Vietnam’s chance to get back into the match.
Taking full advantage of the difference in numbers, the visitors scored one
more goal in the 35th minute. Following significant effort, Vietnam finally
found a goal one minute later.
Earlier, defending champions Thailand beat Myanmar 8-3 in the other semi-final
match.
Myanmar had the first chance to open the score after the referee blew his
whistle but failed. Then Thailand controlled the game and managed two goals in
the 13th and 17th minutes.
In the second half, Myanmar narrowed the gap to 1-2 and were able to score two
more goals. However, in the final minutes of the match, Thailand fought back
strongly with six goals to end the game 8-3 in their favour.
Thailand have captured the regional futsal crown a record 12 times
out of 13 competitions.
“There were some comments before the start of the competition when we came here
with a young team. So making the final was very important for us,” said Jose
Mendez, the head coach of Thailand.
“In spite of the scoreline, it was a very difficult game against a team which
has improved their defence over the past year. The first goal was important and
in the second half we took more control to win the game.”
Vietnam will face Myanmar in the bronze-medal match, while Thailand will
meet Malaysia in the final tomorrow.
In the event’s qualifying round, Vietnam beat Myanmar 3-0.-VNA