Despite facing heavyweights Thailand in the last group match on November 7, the “Golden Stars” played with a comfortable psychology as they had already booked a semifinal berth following the two consecutive wins against Brunei and Timor Leste earlier.
Coach Miguel Rodrigo’s side gave a constant threat to the Thai goal over the opening minutes thanks to confident shots by Duc Hoa and That Phi.
Tran Van Vu put Vietnam in front with a cunning header after 15 minutes, only to see his effort cancelled out seconds before the break, as Chudech equalised from the penalty spot.
In the second half, Thailand intensified their attacks and demonstrated the power of the reigning champions by scoring three additional goals to seal a 4-1 triumph after all.
The victory helped Thailand qualify for the semifinals as the Group B winners, and next up for them will be an encounter against Group A runners-up, Indonesia. Meanwhile, Vietnam finished second in Group B with six points and will face the Group A leaders, Malaysia, in the knockout stage.