Thailand played offensively from the start, but only to see their fierce attacks blocked by goalkeeper Kieu Trinh’s excellence and Vietnam’s stubborn defensive line.
Caution in playing style forced both teams to play out to a goalless draw after the first 45 minutes.
Thailand suddenly went ahead five minutes into the second half as substitute Nisa Romyen broke the deadlock with a subtle finish.
Joy did not last long for the blue team as Nguyen Thi Lieu restored parity for Vietnam a few minutes later with a cunning shot from outside the area that found the bottom right corner.
Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung missed the chance to put Vietnam ahead after failing to convert a 65th- minute penalty. However, Dung redeemed herself two minutes afterwards with a close-range strike that gifted Vietnam an overall 2-1 victory, as well as the precious semifinal ticket.
In the semifinal round scheduled in three day's time, Vietnam will play against the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Japan – defending Asiad champions – and Hong Kong (China).
Despite the Vietnamese women’s success, the men’s football team failed to make their first-ever Asiad quarterfinal, after losing 1-3 to the United Arab Emirates on Friday.
