Vietnam edge past Thailand to defend SEA Games women’s football title

Pham Hai Yen scored an extra-time goal as Vietnam edged past Thailand 1-0 in the final match on December 8 to successfully defend their SEA Games women’s football gold medal.

Sunday, December 08, 2019 14:34

Pham Hai Yen (R) celebrates scoring a late winner for Vietnam. (Photo: Vnexpress)

Despite concerted efforts from both sides, the match ended up goalless after 90 official minutes of play.

Hai Yen got on the scoresheet early in extra time to lift Mai Duc Chung’s side to the overall crown.

Vietnam had the better of the game in the first 20 minutes producing constant threats to the Thai goal.

Nguyen Thi Van threatened to score after just six minutes curling a shot at the crossbar before Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung headed the ball wide from close range nine minutes later.

Nguyen Thi Van is one of the most active Vietnamese players. (Photo: Vnexpress)

In the 27^th minute, Thailand coach Naruephon Kaenson put forward Taneekarn Dangda onto the field to replace Jaruwan Chaiyarak in a bid to strengthen their attacking power.

However, the substitution did not really work as Thailand continued to play on the back foot in the remainder of the first half. They failed to create a single clear-cut chance and had to count on long-range shots hoping to break the deadlock.

The first-half statistics of the title match.

Kaenson’s troops produced a strong start to the second half, with Taneekarn Dangda testing goalkeeper Kim Thanh with a shot at the centre of the box in the 48^th minute.

The substitute went on to prove her value by burying the ball in the back of the net three minutes later. However, it was lucky for the Vietnamese side as Taneekarn’s goal was disallowed for offside.

Keeper Kim Thanh rescued Vietnam again six minutes after the hour mark making a smart save from a close-range header.

With time running out, the agility of Tuyet Dung in the left wing inspired Mai Duc Chung’s side to produce a number of dangerous attacks on Thailand’s goal, but Huynh Nhu and Bich Thuy failed to manage a shot.

Vietnam's Pham Hai Yen in action with the Thai goalkeeper during their match. (Photo: Vnexpress)

The goalless result remained unchanged despite concerted efforts from both teams, forcing the match into extra time.

Vietnam’s constant attacks paid off in the second minute of extra time, as a Thai defender managed to parry a left-wing corner kick by Tuyet Dung but unexpectedly created a favourable pass to Hai Yen. The second-half substitute made successful use of this golden opportunity to seal a late winner for Vietnam with a powerful header from close range.

With the narrow victory, Vietnam successfully defended their SEA Games title, thus continuing to solidify their women’s football reign in Southeast Asia.