VTV-T&T Cup: Vietnam draws U23 Iran 1-1

Vietnamese were playing with all players present in the second half of the last match draw with Australia two days ago to take the Iranian test.

As the men from Australia downed Uzbekistan 1-0, Vietnam need a win to get the trophy.

They were put to the test from the first minutes of the game, with keeper Quang Huy playing his best game in the tournament. He was a bit lucky in the 11th munute not to concede a goal as Iranian striker sent the ball from close range up into the sky.

The Iranian were ahead in the 25th minute when Masoud Sojaee (7) made no mistake from the spot when they were awarded a penalty after Huy Hoang brought down an Iranian player in the box.

Scoring an early goal, the Iranian began to show the spectators why they are going to Germany this summer for World Cup.

Better skills and better build of Iranian players help them control the centre field and two flanks.

Vietnam equalised before the end of the first half, from a curving drive by Hong Minh that gave Iranian goal keeper no chance. It was 1-1 at the end of the first half.

In the second half, coach Alfred Riedl replaced Vu Phong and Van Nhien by Tai Em and Minh Thien.  Tai Em was pairing with Minh Phuong in the centre field, keeping off the Iranian pressure on the Vietnamese defence line.

Vietnam, having three points after three games, won the third prize of the tournament with US $10,000 prize money. Hong Minh was voted player of the match.

Iranian won the trophy, US $40,000 prize money while Australian came second, winning US $20,000.

(nhandan)