Thailand secured a much-coveted spot in next year's Women's World Cup after holding off Asian Cup hosts Vietnam 2-1 at the tournament in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday.
Two second-half goals by the visitors were enough to fend off a late surge by the hosts, who scored a late consolation goal to set up a frantic final five minutes.
But it was the Thais who took fifth place in the Asian event and, with it, a berth at the World Cup in Canada next year.
After a goalless first half, Thailand went ahead on 48 minutes following a slip by the Vietnamese centreback, which allowed the Thai striker to calmly slot home.
It galvanised the visitors - whose coach Nuengrutai Srathongvian had spoken before the game of the team's "dream" of reaching Canada - despite being outclassed in their first two Asian Cup games.
On 65 minutes a dangerous cross-shot from Kanjana Sung-Ngoen was judged to have been parried over the line by the home side's goalkeeper, sparking delirium among the Thai players and bench.
But Vietnam threatened a late fightback with a glorious strike from outside the box on 85 minutes by Tuyet Dong.
It sparked a late and ultimately fruitless surge on the Thai goal. Vietnam finish the tournament in sixth place with a single win from their four games.
China play Japan in Thursday's first semi-final in Ho Chi Minh City, followed by defending champions Australia against sees South Korea play.
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