The encounter between the two contenders for the championship began at a fast pace.
Thailand had a better start, repeatedly threatening Khong Thi Hang’s goal with dangerous aerial balls, including a cross by Rinyaphat that struck the crossbar in the 4th minute.
After being pressed back, Viet Nam gradually regained control and organised several sharp counter-attacks.
Bich Thuy and Huynh Nhu created successive chances but were unable to convert them successfully.
In the 36th minute, receiving a precise pass from Thai Thi Thao, Huynh Nhu beat her marker before crossing the ball for Thao to tap in from close range, opening the score for the home team.
In the second half, coach Mai Duc Chung’s side slowed the tempo, maintained their formation, and played solidly against Thailand’s pressure for an equaliser.
The score was kept unchanged until the final whistle, giving Viet Nam a third win in the group stage and an additional three points to top Group A.
Earlier, Viet Nam thrashed Cambodia 6-0 and trounced Indonesia 7-0 to secure an early place in the semifinals.
Viet Nam’s opponents in the semifinal round will be determined following the final matches of Group B on August 13.
