VTV-T&T Cup 2006: Host Vietnam held to 2-2 draw with U23 Uzbekistan

Host Vietnam was held to a 2-2 draw by visiting u23 Uzbekistan at the national stadium My Dinh on the first match day of VTV-T&T Cup, in the first major international game following the match fixing scandal that rocked the national team at the 23rd SEA Games in the Philippines late last year.

Vietnamese players, probably playing their best game ever to prove they deserve the love of the home fans, tried it hard and fast from the start.

Fielding a team lack of experienced and proven players, Vietnam managed to open the score early in the match. Phan Thanh Binh made no mistake from inside the box when he finished a series of passes from his team mates. An excellent pass from Phung Van Nhien made the goal keeper of Uzbekistan defenceless against the exuberant Phan Thanh Binh. It was 1-0 in the 12th minute. The crowd roared and waves of red flags were seen with smokes. The fans are ready to forgive.

The visitors fought back, taking full advantage of their long and high ball and their physical advantages. They levelled the score in the 30th minute, through a close range header of Evkinov.

They visitors were ahead 4 minutes into the second half, again from a header. Defenders Minh Duc and Huy Hoang both missed the high ball coming in from the left flank. Evkinov again headed home to bring the visitors ahead.

Physical advantages of the visiting players mean they have more control of the ball, especially high ball. However, the levelling goal for Vietnam came from a header from Captain Minh Phuong, who was voted player of the match. A long and high ball from Cong Vinh found left-footer Thach Bao Khanh on the far corner of the left flank. He fooled the Uzbekistan and sent a high pass into the box. Minh Phuong headed home to make it 2-2.

Coach Alfred Riedle said his team played well, despite physical disadvantage and pressure on the defence throughout the game.  STwo goals by head (from the opponents) say everything⬝ he added.

In the earlier match, U23-Australia played U23-Iran and was held to a goalless draw. About two third of all seats at the national stadium of My Dinh were full.

Vietnam will play U23-Australia on April 18 and U23-Iran on April 20.

VTV-T&T Cup is considered the test for Vietnamese young players before the next regional championships. The U23-teams from Uzbekistan, Australia, Iran and the national team Vietnam will chase the ball from April 16 to 20 in a round-robin tournament. The winner cash is US $40,000 plus a trophy while second and third placed teams got US $20,000 and US $10,000 prize money, respectively.

(Nhandan)