Striker Pham Hai Yen (right) battles for the ball against Myanmar in their Tokyo Olympics third qualifying round yesterday. Vietnam beat Myanmar 1-0. Photo vtc.vn

The win helped Vietnam enter the fourth and final round of the women’s qualifiers with one game to go.

Vietnam are in Group A with South Korea, Myanmar and North Korea. However, North Korea withdrew from the event for an undisclosed reason. Myanmar lost 7-0 to hosts South Korea in their opening match on February 3, meaning Vietnam could ensure progress with a win in their opening match.

Vietnam controlled the game from the get-go but were unable to create a clear chance.

In the 18th minute, Vietnam won a freekick, but striker Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung was unable to worry Myanmar goalkeeper Mya Phu Ngon.

Several minutes later, Dung decided to shoot straight from a corner but Ngon was equal to it.

Vietnam came closest when captain Huynh Nhu curled one from the edge of the box with her left foot but hit the side netting.

Myanmar fought back strongly but lacked co-ordination and composure.

After 30 minutes, Vietnam's dominance was clear with 63 per cent of the possession and six shots on goal.

Ngan Thi Van Su tried her luck from range, only to see her shot go flying over the bar.

Captain Huynh Nhu was injured in a clash but managed to play on until half time.

After the break, Myanmar started brightly, and a pass from striker Dung was headed just wide by Yen.

Vietnam's goal finally came in the 62nd minute thanks to Su who planted a header home.

In the 67th minute, Yee Yee Oo missed a chance to equalise for Myanmar following confusion in the Vietnam defence.

In the dying minutes, Myanmar went all out to fulfil their Olympic dream but they were out of luck.

Vietnam will now face South Korea in their last match of Group A on February 9. The match will decide the group winner.

The eight strongest teams in Asia were divided into two groups for the third qualifying round. The top two teams from each group will reach a play-off with a home and away leg. The winners of each play-off match will represent Asia at the Olympics, together with hosts Japan. — VNS

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