Myanmar players started the game with a pressing tactic, testing Vietnamese goalie Van Truong. They carved out two to three scoring chances, but tried in vain.

In a lightning attack in the 18^th minute, striker Cong Phuong set up the ball for his team mate Van Toan to hammer home, opening the scoring for Vietnam.

HAGL Arsenal JMG striker Van Toan scored his first hat-trick at the tournament

Three minutes before the half-time, Van Toan broke down an offside trap in front of goalie Myo Min Latt and slotted the ball home, extending Vietnam’s lead.

After the interval, Myanmar players made a number of fouls, forcing captain Xuan Truong to leave the field and Van Truong to ask for medical support.

Vietnam’s performance was not so convincing then, making it easier for unmarked Saw Si I to score a goal for Myanmar.

However, Myanmar players’ efforts to equalise the game came to nothing when Van Toan once again broke down another offside trap to complete his first hat-trick of the tournament.

With the four winning games, Vietnam topped Group B and earned a ticket to the semi-finals.

They will have another Group match against underdogs Brunei on September 18.