The defending champion –Thailand (blue shirt) defeated Việt Nam in the semi-final match. — Photo courtesy of HD Bank

HCM CITY — Defending champions Thailand beat Việt Nam 2-0 in the semi-final of the HDBank AFF Futsal Championship on Friday at Phú Thọ Stadium in HCM City.

The hosts entered the match with confidence thanks to the support of more than 3,000 fans at the stadium.

Coach Miguel Rodrigo of Việt Nam instructed his players to play with an active defence and quick counter-attacks.

Despite controlling the ball most of the first half, the guests couldn't find the back of the net, and Việt Nam had more chances to score in the first half than Thailand.

In the 11th minute, Đức Hòa beat the Thai defence and took a powerful shot which crashed off the crossbar and went out of play.

The first half ended with no goals from either side.

Thailand entered the second period on the offensive, looking for the early goal at the beginning of the half.

In the 24th minute, Thailand scored the opening goal thanks to a shot from Ronnachai.

Within a minute, Thailand doubled their score through Kritsada after he intercepted a wayward Vietnamese pass.

In the remaining minutes, Việt Nam threw themselves forward in search of a goal, but couldn't breach the stout Thai defence.

The match ended 2-0 for Thailand.

On Sunday, Việt Nam will face Myanmar for third place and a ticket to the Asian Futsal Championship, while Indonesia will face Thailand in the final after beating Myanmar 4-3. — VNS