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| Vietnam U21 players celebrate their goal during their Thanh Nien Newspaper Cup football match against Thailand U21 in HCMC on Wednesday - Photo: Ba Chau |
Before the game, both Vietnam and Thailand were drawn at three points as they had both thrashed their opponents in their openers, with the Thai’s 4-0 win over Myanmar on Monday and Vietnam’s thrashing of Myanmar 5-1 on Saturday.
Because of the goal difference, a draw would have been enough for the hosts to stay on top, while the Thais needed a victory to be group A leaders.
Vietnam, who began with nine changes from coach Dinh Van Dung after their win over Myanmar, showed great determination.
Heavy rain dampened the player’s attacks early in the first half leaving the Vietnamese crowd waiting till the 35th minute to celebrate, when Xuan Hieu took a kick in the penalty box beating Thai goalie, Yen Arom.
After the break, Vietnam kept possession and Duy Lam doubled for his team with a free kick from outside the penalty area just minutes in.
Duc Nhan scored for the Vietnamese side in the 65th minute before Pattana Sokjoho finalized the score at 3-1 in the 68th minute.
With the victory, Vietnam U21 finished their group competition as group A leaders with six points from two wins, while runners-up Thailand stayed at three points from one win and one loss. Bottom-placed Singapore, who exited from the tournament, gained no points from two losses.
In the earlier match on Wednesday, Vietnam U19 started the game with substitutes, but dominated against Malaysia U21. The visitors secured a late victory, to finish top of Group B, when striker Ravindran scored the only goal in the 86th minute. Despite the loss the Vietnam U19 will still go through to the semis.
Malaysia had four points from one win and one draw, while Vietnam U19 were runners-up with three points.
On Friday’s semifinal games, Vietnam U21 will meet Vietnam U19 at 3:30 p.m. and Thailand will play Malaysia at 6:00 p.m. The final and third place games will be on Sunday.
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