Under-23s go through to SEA Games semis

The Vietnamese under-23s have become the first team to qualify for the semifinals of the 23^rdSEA Games as leaders of Group B, Group of Death” after beating Myanmar 1-0 in the third match on November 24 with the winner by captain Phan Van Tai Em in the 66^th minute.

There was only a change in the Vietnamese under-23s” starting XI with Phuoc Vinh replacing sidelined Minh Duc at centreback.

Striker Le Cong Vinh, who scored a hat-trick in the 8-2 victory over Laos on November 22, was chosen ahead Thanh Binh to partner Van Quyen in the forwards.  

Even before the match, coach Alfred Riedl of the Vietnamese under-23s said that his men”s target was to beat Myanmar and Indonesia to occupy the top spot of Group B.

However, after Indonesia and Singapore drew 0-0 in an earlier match, the Vietnamese under-23s needed one more victory to achieve their above mentioned target.

The Vietnamese side controlled the game in the first ten minutes. The first opportunity belonged to left winger Quoc Anh but his shot from a narrow angle was over the bar.

In the final 15 minutes of the first half, the Vietnamese side played in a lacklustre manner.

After the break, the Vietnamese side played better, increasing pressure on the Myanmar defence.

In the 65th minute, Quoc Anh had a good opportunity to find the unguarded net in two attempts. A Myanmar defender cleared off line.

Quoc Anh was then replaced with Van Bien, who set up captain Tai Em in his first touch to head home the winner.

Boosted by Tai Em”s goal, the Vietnamese under-23s created some more opportunities but striker Cong Vinh failed to net.

The Myanmar side had their opportunity when their striker ran past rightback Hai Lam and was in one-on-one situation with Vietnamese goalkeeper Quang Huy. Fortunately, the goalkeeper made an excellent save to deny the Myanmar striker.

With nine points after three games, the Vietnamese under-23s have gone through one game ahead. They play their final group match against the Indonesian under-23s on November 26.