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ESPN staff 9y

Vietnam join Philippines in Suzuki Cup semifinals

2008 champions Vietnam joined the Philippines in qualifying for the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup after the final Group A matches in Hanoi.

Vietnam defeated the Philippines 3-1 at the My Dinh Stadium to finish top of the group. 

In the other game at the Hang Dai Stadium, Indonesia secured a consolation 5-1 victory over the already-eliminated Laos, but it wasn't enough to secure their passage through to the last four.

Vietnam and Philippines will know their semifinal opponents after Saturday's final Group B matches. The knockout phase begins on Dec. 6.

The final Group A table sees Vietnam top on seven points from three matches, one point higher than the Philippines. Indonesia are on four points and Laos on zero.

Vietnam's midfielders Hoang Thinh Ngo and Minh Tuan Vuin scored in the 14th and 51st minute respectively. Winger Pham Thanh Luong -- who played an important part in the country's 2008 Suzuki Cup triumph -- added a third goal in the 58th minute.

Midfielder Paul Mulders narrowed the margin for the Philippines in the 60th minute.

For Indonesia, midfielder Evan Dimas scored in the 8th minute. Winger Ramdhani Lestaluhu doubled the lead in the 20th.

Striker Khampheng Sayavutthi narrowed the margin for Laos eight minutes later by converting a penalty. 

However, Lestaluhu scored his second of the evening in the 50th minute. Forward Zulham Zamrun scored in the 82nd minute to make it 4-1. Ketsada Souksavanh scored an own goal with one minute remaining to complete Laos' night of misery.

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