Women win bronze in Laos
The defending SEA Games champion defeated hosts Laos 6-0 in the third-fourth place playoff at the National Stadium.
In the final, Thailand defeated Myanmar 2-1 to take the regional trophy.
Vietnam had suffered a 1-2 loss to Myanmar in the semi-finals three days ago.
The blazing heat did not slow down the Vietnamese players who launched a tirade of attacks on their opponents. Their efforts paid off in the 29th minute when skipper Le Thi Thuong’s freekick sailed over the wall into the left post.
Goalkeeper Bounyong Akhavong could only lunge forlornly at the ball.
Just a few minutes later Huynh Nhu broke through the defenders to pass the ball across the onrushing Bounyong.
Nguyen Thi Hoa made it 3-0 at the break with a close range shot as the Lao defence scrambled to clear the loose ball. Vietnam then built up pressure.
In the 57th minute, substitute Sangvan Inthavong brought down Hoa in the box but was not given a second yellow after receiving her first in the 47th minute.
Chuong Thi Kieu who missed a penalty kick in the semi-final against Myanmar, made sure of her spot kick this time around, sending it to the right of Bounyong’s outstretched arm.
Le Thu Thanh Huong and Hoa added two more goals in the 70th and 71st minutes, respectively.
