Since Vietnam had already qualified for the semis after winning its first two games, Coach Vo Hoang Buu used 7 substitutes, offering them a chance to garner experience in an international match.

Vietnamese players almost paid a high price for their inexperience in the 3^rd minute when East Timor’s Barbosa took a free-kick from outside the penalty box. The ball passed the defence line but luckily hit the woodwork.

It took hosts Vietnam more than 20 minutes to take control of the game and Quoc Phuong slammed Vietnam into an early lead after a brilliant free-kick in the 25^th minute. However, Jose Carlos equalised the score 10 minutes later.

After the intervals, both teams carved out scoring opportunities, but failed to drive for home. Vietnam only claimed victory in the last minutes of the game with Quoc Phuong’s superb free-kick, outwitting East Timorese defenders and the goalkeeper. Tuan An sealed 3-1 victory for Vietnam in extra time.

Vietnam’s hope of taking on Thailand in the semis disappeared after their rivals defeated Singapore 1-0 the same day to top Group A. Thailand will play against Malaysia which crushed Myanmar 2-0 at Thanh Long stadium to become Group B runners-up. .