Ho Chi Minh City: Thailand are one step away from winning their 13th ASEAN Futsal Championship after cruising past Myanmar 8-3 in their semi-final tie at the Phu Tho Stadium on Wednesday.
Both teams were cautious with their play at the start but it was Thailand who capitalised on a mistake by Myanmar to draw first blood.
Thailand's Nawin Rattanawongswa intercepted a pass deep in his half as he surged to the opposing territory and blasted his shot past a rooted Myanmar goalkeeper Kyaw Htet Aung .
Jose Mendez's side doubled their lead four minutes later after Muhammad Osamanmusa scored off a corner to lead 2-0 at halftime.
Pyae Phyo Maung, who had a quiet night, pulled one back for Myanmar a minute after the break as the tournament top scorer hit his 12th goal with a strike from close range.
Myanmar grew in confidence and played with more conviction as they deperately searched for the equaliser. The defending champions, however, were not rattled as they increased their lead five minutes later through Nattavut Madyalan.
Madyalan doubled his tally in the 27th minute after some neat footwork in the penalty box for a 4-1 lead.
Htay Myint's men hit back immediately, as Maung turned provider when his pass found Nyein Min Soe lurking in front of goal to put the score at 4-2.
Thailand kicked up a gear a minute later, scoring four more goals to put the tie beyond reach.
Their goals came from Osamanmusa (28th), Peerapol Satsue (34th), Chaivat Jamgrajang (36th) and Weerasak Srichai (40th).
However, Jamgrajang scored an own goal in the last minute to put the final score 8-3.
Sources: Asean Football Federation, Vietnam Football Federation
Source: the-afc.com