Football
Vietnamese players celebrate their win over Myanmar in the semi-finals of the AFF Women's U19 Football Championship on July 13 in Palembang, Indonesia. Photo courtesy of VFF
HÀ NỘI — Coach Akira of Việt Nam said his team will win the trophy of the AFF Women's U19 Football Championship on Saturday after their semi-final win on July 13 in Palembang, Indonesia.
Việt Nam came from behind to beat arch-rival Myanmar 2-1 in the last match which lasted 120 minutes for extra time.
After the first 10 minutes of sussing each other out, Myanmar opened the score when forward Yin Loon Eain prized the ball from a mishap between Vietnamese goalkeeper Kiều My and her defenders and shot straight to the net.
Việt Nam opened consecutive attacks to narrow the score. Coach Akira made several changes in the first half to strengthen his front line.
Ngọc Minh Chuyên brought his plan to fruition in the 43rd minute with a close-range header. It was Chuyên's fifth goal at the tournament and it pushed her to the top place of the best scorer table.
Myanmar upped possession in the second half forcing Akira to make more changes to keep the match balanced. Chuyên and her teammate Lưu Hoàng Vân had their chances but failed to score in the official time.
Players had to compete in the extra time. After many efforts, Lê Thị Trang broke through Myanmar's defence to find the back of the net at the 104th minute, wrapping up the win for Việt Nam.
Speaking to a reporter, MVP Chuyên said: "It was a difficult match but we made it. We'll do better in the final and win. We are tired after this long semi-final but our spirit is 100 per cent ready”.
Coach Akira added that his players showed great effort through difficulties. Myanmar was under a Japanese technical director who was given a surprise by his opponent. Việt Nam conceded a goal first but fought back successfully and won.
He said there was still a match ahead for Việt Nam. The final was his team's target. Whoever makes the final will have a tough match and Vietnamese players must be very careful and focused.
Việt Nam will take on Thailand, which overwhelmed host Indonesia 7-1 in the other semis on July 13, in the final at the Gelora Sriwijaya on July 15.
Thawanrat Promthongmee scored a hattrick at the 15th, 31st and 70th minutes. Anaphon Amanpong scored twice at the 29th and 47th while Chattaya Pratumkul and Natcha Kaewanta netted one each at the 63rd and 88th minutes, respectively.
Indonesia’s only goal of the game came through Claudia Scheneumann in the 24th minute. They will play Myanmar in the third-place playoff. VNS
OVietnam