Myanmar coach blames Asian Cup exit on lack of experience

YANGON, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar women's soccer coach U Tin Myint Aung said his team was disqualified for the 2008 Asian Cup women's football final round due to lack of international experiences, local media reported on Monday.

Myanmar, who needed a draw to qualify for the Asian Cup finals, lost to the group rival Vietnam with just one goal.

Myanmar, Chinese Taipei, Iran and host Vietnam were in Group A, while Malaysia, Republic of Korea, the Philippines and Thailand in Group B in the Asian Cup second-stage qualifier in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from March 24 to 28.

Myanmar beat Iran 2-1 but lost to Chinese Taipei 3-0 before they lost to Vietnam 1-0, which made them out.

Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, Thailand and Republic of Korea will play with other four teams -- defending champion China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Japan and Australia -- in the 2008 Asian Cup finals.