Defeating Thailand U23 in the final, U23 Vietnam successfully defended the SEA Games championship
Nham Manh Dung’s only goal in the 83rd minute helped Vietnam U23 win 1-0 against Thailand U23 in the 31st SEA Games men’s football final, thereby successfully defending the championship.
U23 Vietnam and U23 Thailand faced each other in the 31st SEA Games final after spending 120 tense minutes in the semi-finals against Malaysia and Indonesia. In this important match, head coach Park Hang Seo and head coach Mano Polking both launched their strongest formation.
Under great pressure from the crowd and the confidence of U23 Vietnam, Thailand had psychological problems. In the first minutes of the first half, Vietnam made the opponent “startled” when playing confidently, fiercely, with blood but accurate and alert. In the 3rd minute, from Chonnapat Buaphat’s careless pass, Tien Linh stole it and stretched it to Van Tung to turn and shoot with his left foot very quickly, but unfortunately the ball went wide of the goal.
Only 2 minutes later, the opportunity came to U23 Vietnam again from a right corner kick by Nguyen Hoang Duc, but captain Do Hung Dung headed the incorrect shot. In the remaining minutes, Thailand gradually regained the rhythm of the game and created a balance with U23 Vietnam. However, the hot spot appeared in the midfield area. Therefore, the first half ended with a 0-0 draw.
In the second half, Thailand accelerated the pace of the match with a series of situations threatening the home team’s goal. However, U23 Vietnam’s defense with Tien Long – Viet Anh – Thanh Binh and goalkeeper Van Toan’s ability to get in and out and handle well helped keep the home team’s net.
Under the pressure of Thailand, Vietnam actively played defensive counter-attack. In the end, after many missed opportunities, Vietnam took the lead after 83 minutes. From the left, Tuan Tai crossed the ball accurately to Manh Dung to bounce high and head to the top corner, knocking out veteran goalkeeper Kawin. 1-0 for Vietnam.
This is also the only goal in the final match. Winning the final 1-0 against rival Thailand, U23 Vietnam successfully defended its SEA Games gold medal.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue, Permanent Secretary of the Secretariat Vo Van Thuong went to My Dinh National Stadium to encourage the spirit of U23 Vietnam in the final match of men’s football at the 31st SEA Games. After a 1-0 victory over U23 Thailand U23, the U23 Vietnam successfully defended the championship and contributed to a successful 31st SEA Games. At this year, U23 Vietnam made a miracle when not only was crowned for the second time in a row, but also kept a clean sheet in all matches from the group stage to the last minute of the final.
FINAL RESULTS:
Gold medal: U23 Vietnam
Silver medal: U23 Thailand
Bronze medal: U23 Indonesia
