Striker Huỳnh Như (left) celebrates her goal in the match against Myanmar on May 6. — Photo nld.com.vn

By Thanh Nga

PHNOM PENH — Việt Nam defeated Myanmar 3-1 in their second Group A match of SEA Games women’s football in Cambodia on May 6.

Việt Nam entered the game slowly and met a bit of difficulty because of errors in the defence. However, the SEA Games champions only needed one chance to make a difference against Myanmar.

In the 10th minute, Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Dung made a precise kick from the left wing into the penalty area. Striker and captain Huỳnh Như broke the offsides trap, received the ball and then delicately shot into the goal’s corner, opening the score.

The goal by the Vietnamese Women's Golden Ball winner helped the red jersey team confidently take control the game for the rest of the first half.

Việt Nam actively held the ball and created consecutive attacks that kept their opponent from approaching Kim Thanh's goal. If they had been luckier, the score would have been doubled for Việt Nam in the 27th minute. Nguyễn Thị Bích Thùy dribbled past many defenders of Myanmar, but her shot was blocked by the goalkeeper.

In the 38th minute, Myanmar had the first chance. From a free kick on the right, the Vietnamese defence lacked concentration to reveal a gap, but the Myanmar players could not finish after a strong pass.

A few minutes from the end of the first half, Myanmar suddenly accelerated. Trần Thị Thúy Nga, who made mistakes from the beginning of the game, continued to play poorly and let striker Mo Tun comfortably head the ball into the net, equalising 1-1.

Việt Nam vs Myanmar in their second match of the women’s football of SEA Games 32 in Cambodia on May 6. — Photo nld.com.vn

In the second half, the Vietnamese team faced many difficulties against a physically strong opponent.

Captain Huỳnh Như then received a yellow card. In a situation where Việt Nam tried to attack, Huỳnh Như tried to fall down to control the ball and hit a Myanmar player so she was given a yellow card.

In the 59th minute, Việt Nam was lucky to escape danger. A player of Myanmar had the opportunity to face goalkeeper Kim Thanh but she suddenly slipped.

Two minutes later, from a free kick situation on the right, Tuyết Dung put the ball near the Myanmar goal. However, there was not a Vietnamese player to finish.

In a tight match, Việt Nam suddenly received a gift from their opponent. In the 76th minute, Thanh Nhã took advantage of goalkeeper Mya Nyein's missed catch to finish in an empty net, raising the score to 2-1.

In the dying minutes, Thùy Trang put an end to Myanmar's efforts with a classy finish from outside of the penalty area. The ball hit the far corner of the goal before the helpless goalkeeper.

Earlier, Việt Nam beat Malaysia 3-0.

Despite having six points, Việt Nam is not assured of reaching the next stage. In the last match of group stage on May 9, Việt Nam must take at least one point against the Philippines to secure the ticket to go further. VNS