Vietnam suffer big defeat in Women's AFF Cup semifinal

In the group stage they had won all four games, scoring 18 goals and not conceding even one.

Before the semifinal their last loss to a regional team had been at the 2015 event. This naturally meant their confidence was high when they took on the Philippines, opponents they had defeated just two months ago at the SEA Games 31.

However, the tables were turned at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

After 30 minutes of probing the Philippines took over the game thanks to their midfield strength and power in other positions.

Vietnam constantly lost the ball and the Philippines exploited the left flank many times before turning one foray into a goal when defender Candido Long received a cross and headed home in the 33rd minute.

The goal set the home fans into a frenzy and the Philippines continued to threaten their opponents' goal.

Vietnam made two substitutions at the end of the first half but that was not enough to get them back into the game.

The Philippines still controlled the game and created numerous chances.

When the ball hit the hand of Hoang Thi Loan inside the box in the 46th minute, Rivera Annis made no mistake from the penalty spot and doubled the lead.

The next few minutes witnessed an explosive performance from Sarina Bolden. She made it three for the Philippines in the 63rd minute with a header goal from a corner.

Vietnam failed to prevent aerial attacks from their opponents even when they were expecting them.

Nine minutes later Bolden completed her double with another header.

The Vietnamese had nothing left in the tank and could barely go forward, but the Philippines still kept attacking. Vietnam were lucky not to concede more goals, and the game ended with a thumping 4-0 win for the hosts.

Vietnam next play Myanmar in the third-place playoff on Sunday and the Philippines take on Thailand in the final a few hours later.