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Laos took third place in the International Women’s Football Tournament after beating Coal and Minerals 2-1 in Quang Ninh province’s Cua Ong stadium yesterday, October 22. As the host, Coal and Minerals needed only a draw to fulfil their goal of being in the top three.

Laos were totally transformed as a team when they chose to go on the attack. Their tactic almost paid off in the eighth minute of the match when Sophavanh Phayvanh fired a shot over goalkeeper Nguyen Thanh Hao but it hit the right upright.

A clear chance missed inspired the visitors, who will host the Southeast Asian Games later this year.

After that near miss, they wasted no time launching another attack.

Laos were given a free kick on the right wing after Vietnamese defenders brought down a Lao striker. The free kick unsettled Viet Nam’s Dang Thi Ly, who in trying to head the ball away scored an own goal in the 10th minute.

It was Ly’s second own goal of the tournament. She scored an own goal in the opening match of the tournament on October 16 against Thailand.

It was also Laos’ first goal of the tournament.

Head coach Doan Minh Hai rotated Bui Thi Phuong, Vu Thi Lanh, Le Thi Hien and Le Thi Hoai Thu to test Lao goal keeper Chulapan but she was more than up to the task until the host team scored five minutes after the break.

Phuong received a perfect pass from Vu Thi Hien before making a solo run from midfield to the penalty area and levelling the score.

The host team began to take control of the game and Phuong, Tuyet and Thua created a number of chances, but they all went unconverted.

In the 75th minute, Phuong came face-to-face with Chulapal but the Vietnamese’s shot was too light and was easily saved.

Chulapal then made a great throw to start a counter-attack by Phayvanh who fired a shot into the right corner.

Laos took three points from the game and pocketed VND20 million (US$1,450) for coming third. Coal, who finished in second place last year, ended the tournament with three losses.

The final match of the tournament today is between the national teams of Viet Nam and Thailand. The winner of the game will take the trophy and a cash prize of VND40 million ($2,900). The runners-up will get VND30 million.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News