Group B: Vietnam through, Indonesia, Thailand in race for second semis spot
Manila: Vietnam advanced to the 2019 SEA Games men’s football semi-finals, defeating Singapore 1-0 on Tuesday for their fourth consecutive win in Group B.
Either Indonesia or Thailand will accompany Vietnam into the semi-finals, with their fate to be decided in Thursday’s final round of matches.
Both are on nine points, with Indonesia defeating Brunei Darussalam 8-0 on Tuesday and Thailand beating Singapore Laos 2-0.
Thailand will play Vietnam in their final tie while Indonesia will meet Laos.
Singapore 0-1 Vietnam
Vietnam sealed victory against Singapore and a place in the semi-finals four minutes from time, thanks to Ha Duc Chinh’s header off a corner kick.
It was a match in which neither side managed to create a clear chance in the first half, although Vietnam saw more of the ball in the second period.
Indonesia 8-0 Brunei Darussalam
Indonesia will take a one-goal advantage over Thailand into the last round of matches following their big win against Brunei Darussalam.
Both are on nine points, with Indonesia having a +11 goal difference to Thailand’s +10.
Osvaldo Hay starred with a hat-trick (11th, 45th, 72nd), Egy Maulana scored a brace (40th, 80th) while Saddil Ramdani (50th), Sulaeman Witan (68th) and Andy Nugroho hit one each.
Laos 0-2 Thailand
Thailand have had to play catch up since losing to Indonesia in their opening match and it looked like Laos would deny Akira Nishino’s men the three points they needed until Suphanat Mueanta struck just as the match was to enter added time.
The goal deflated Laos, allowing Suphanat to strike again in added time as Thailand moved to nine points with Vietnam to come next.
Results – Group B
Singapore 0-1 Vietnam
Laos 0-2 Thailand
Indonesia 8-0 Brunei Darussalam.
Wednesday (local time) – Group A: Cambodia vs Malaysia (16:00); Timor-Leste vs Philippines (16:00).
