Tiger Cup: Vietnam beat Cambodia

Ho Chi Minh City:

Teenage striker Le Chong Vinh's hat-trick helped Vietnam thrash minnows Cambodia 9-1 in the Group A match of Tiger Cup on Thursday. Having only secured one point from their first match against Singapore, hosts Vietnam were determined to put up a better show against the Cambodians. Vietnam took the lead in the ninth minute as Thach Bao Kanh found the back of the net with a superb backheel. Kanh doubled the lead for the hosts in the 23rd minute with a spectacular volley. Long-range effort A minute before half time, Cambodia reduced the margin with a long-range effort. Hang Sokunthea scored with a powerful shot from 25 metres off a corner kick. Cambodia seemed to have run out of steam in the second half as Vietnam pumped in seven more goals. Former champions Singapore were held to a goalless draw by Indonesia in the other match. After two matches in Group A, hosts Vietnam are on top with four points, ahead of Indonesia on goal difference. Singapore are third with two points from two draws, while Laos and Cambodia are tied at the bottom with two losses each. (AP)