JAKARTA, Dec 27: Defending champions Thailand trounced Vietnam 4-0 on Friday and will meet Indonesia in the final of the Tiger Cup tournament here.
Thailand had little trouble against Vietnam despite their unimpressive performances in the qualifying stage, including losing 3-1 to Malaysia.
Worawoot Srimaka scored the opener 25 minutes into the first-half, firing home from 12 yards after latching on to Therdsak Chaiman’s cross from the right. Srimaka scored three goals in the victory over Indonesia in the Tiger Cup 2000 final in Bangkok.
Midfielder Narongchai Vachiraban scored a second goal in the 38th minute, and second-half strikes by substitutes Sakda Joemdee in the 75th minute and Sakda Joemdee in injury time sealed an emphatic victory.
Later striker Bambang Pamungkas struck the only goal against gallant Malaysia on Friday to steer the co-hosts into the Tiger Cup final.
The prolific forward headed the decisive goal in the 75th minute in the semifinal dominated by the young Malaysians as the Tiger Cup’s leading goalscorer took his tally to eight goals.—AFP