Myanmar number 9 Hlaing fails to beat Thailand's goalkeeper. VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tùng
HÀ NAM — Another 4-0 win, this time against Myanmar, wasn’t enough for Thailand to top the women’s futsal table as the hosts Việt Nam smashed Malaysia 4-1 in the later match on May 17.
The Thais entered the match with no other goal than another big win, seeking to extend their goal difference to differ themselves from Việt Nam.
The match started with Thai's dominated from the off, throwing everything at Myanmar, who were also looking for a better result after their 'tennis set' lost against Việt Nam in the opening match.
Despite enormous pressure from the opponent, Myanmar sat back and defended solidly, creating difficulties for Thailand’s forwards who struggled to penetrate The Asian Lionesses’ defence.
However, the women in white only managed to hold the mighty Thais for six minutes and thirty seconds.
After a smooth build-up from the left, the ball was fed quickly to Hataichanok Tappakun who then had a smart turn to deliver an exquisite cross into the box that surpassed Mynamar’s goalie and found the foot of Nipaporn Sriwarom.
In front of the wide-open goal, a simple tap–in would be enough, but Thailand’s number four chose a more difficult effort and missed the target.
Lucky for Sriwarom, instead of going wide, the ball deflected backwards only to be met by Myanmar’s own defender. Myanmar's number four, in an effort to clear the ball, scored a miserable own goal.
It was the turning point of the match, as Myanmar lost their momentum and were out of control, unable to stop their opponent’s attack or create any clear chance other than sporadic, hopeless solo efforts.
Two more goals in the first half came in quick succession before Myanmar’s second own-goal in the second half sealed a second consecutive win for the Thais.
With another 4-0 win, Thailand are equal to Việt Nam in terms of points but rank below them due to a lower goal difference.
Goals from Bùi Thị Trang and Trịnh Nguyễn Thanh Hằng in the 4-1 win against a clumsy Malaysia helped the host remain on top of the table.
The third and fourth places belong to Malaysia and Myanmar both on zero points after two first opening matches.
The women’s futsal event is held in a round-robin format with four teams competing for medals: Việt Nam, Malaysia, Myanmar and defending champions Thailand.
Malaysia will face Myanmar on May 19, while Thailand will continue their journey to defend the title with a decisive match against the hosts Việt Nam.
All matches take place at the Hà Nam Gymnasium.
OVietnam