Viet Nam beat Thailand 2-0 in their third match at the Thanh Nien (Youth) newspaper International U21 Football Championships at Pleiku Stadium in Gia Lai Province yesterday.

Having secured a place in the semi-finals, head coach Dinh Van Dung gave five reserve players a run out during the match.

The hosts controlled the match from the kick-off, and had a chance to open their account in the 35th minute, but Nguyen Huu Khoi's shot was blocked by the opposition goalkeeper.

With half time fast approaching, Nguyen Dinh Bao pounced to put Viet Nam into a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, Thailand went on the search for an equaliser, but conceded a penalty following a handball in the 65th minute, which Ngo Hoang Thinh expertly dispatched.

Viet Nam top Group A and will meet Australia in the semi-finals tomorrow. On the same day, second placed Thailand will play Malaysia who defeated Australia 4-2 to top Group B yesterday.-VNS