Singapore and Vietnam in semi-finals
Goals by Cong Vinh, Thanh Binh and Van Bien helped Vietnam gain a 9-0 victory over Laos and qualify for the semi-finals. However, the victory failed to…
In another match, Singapore went head twice and were cancelled out as they were held to a 2-2 draw with Indonesia, who were last AFF championship runners-up.
The Vietnamese team made four changes in their starting XI. Goalkeeper Duong Hong Son coming for Bui Quang Huy, who seemed to be unable to settle with pressure. Nguyen Minh Duc made his debut at the AFF championship as replaced Nguyen Huy Hoang at centreback. Rightback Phung Van Nhien had the first opportunity to start the game, replacing Huynh Quang Thanh while Tran Duc Duong came in for Thach Bao Khanh on the left flank.
After a smashing defeat of 11-0 to co-hosts Singapore, coach Saythong Syphasay also made three changes.
Goalkeeper Phoutpasong Sengdavalong came in for Sengphachan Bounthisanh. Defender Kovanh Namthavisay replaced Dao Khotsaya as Laos lined up five defenders for the match. Midfielder Souksamay Manhmanyvong was given a chance to start for Kita Sysavanh.
Vietnamese team need a victory with at least three goals to go through. Even though coach Alfred Riedl was cautious, saying that his team may exit if they could not win, the task seemed possible for the his men.
Striker Cong Vinh, who missed a good opportunity in the match against Indonesia, opened the scoring right in the first minute.
The Vietnamese players continued to dominate the game and in the 18th minute, Cong Vinh and Thanh Binh played one-two and Thanh Binh was denied by goalkeeper Sengdavalong.
The Laotian goalkeeper then made a good save to deny Duc Duong”s attempt.
Cong Vinh made it 2-0 after 27 minutes. The striker was released by Hong Minh, who produced a good through ball.
Three minutes later, Thanh Binh scored the third goal for Vietnam. A one-two combination between Thanh Binh and Minh Phuong set up Thanh Binh a chance to slot the ball past Sengdavalong.
Centreback Nhu Thanh went close as he was denied by Sengdavalong, who punched the ball over the bar.
One minute from half-time, Thanh Binh finished off Tan Tai”s pass just wide.
Leftback Van Bien scored his first goal for the national team, heading home the fourth goal after Hong Minh”s good cross from the right flank.
In another match of Group B, taking place at the same time with the match between Vietnam and Laos, Singapore and Indonesia drew 1-1. Noh Alam Shah opened the scoring with a spot kick after eight minutes. Ilham Jaya Kusuma levelled the score in the 27th minute.
After the break, the Vietnamese team continued to dominate the game. In two minutes, striker Cong Vinh missed two chances. However, he completed a hat-trick after being released by skipper Minh Phuong, who missed a spot kick after Thanh Binh was fouled in the box.
With the game almost won, coach Riedl brought on Nguyen Huu Thang and Nguyen Vu Phong for Hong Minh and Tan Tai, respectively.
Also, veteran striker Dang Phuong Nam came in for Cong Vinh. Minutes after being brought on, Phuong Nam was fouled in the box by Kovanh Namthavisay. Vietnam were given a spot kick and Namthavisay was redcarded. Thanh Binh coolly slotted the ball to the net.
After Duc Duong and Vu Phong failed to find the net, Thanh Binh completed his hat-trick, curling the ball into the far corner in the 80th minute. Three minutes later, Thanh Binh made it 8-0, beating Sengdavalong from a close range.
Van Bien scored his second goal one minute from time, sealing a 9-0 victory for Vietnam.
Meanwhile, Singapore and Indonesia scored one goal each in the second half. Indra Sahdan Daud headed home, restoring a one goal lead for Singapore in the 52nd minute and Zaenal Arif equalised four minutes later.
With co-hosts Singapore drawing with Indonesia, Vietnam finished Group B runners-up as they were led by Singapore in goal difference. Vietnam next play Thailand at home in the first leg of the semi-finals after one week.
Meanwhile, Singapore play Malaysia in the semi-finals on January 23.
Group B
Vietnam: Duong Hong Son, Phung Van Nhien, Nguyen Minh Duc, Vu Nhu Thanh, Nguyen Van Bien, Le Tan Tai, Nguyen Minh Phuong, Le Hong Minh, Tran Duc Duong, Le Cong Vinh and Phan Thanh Binh.
Laos: Phoutpasong Sengdavalong, Chandalaphone Liemvisay, Kovanh Namthavisay, Khamxay Phakasy, Saynakhonevieng Phommapanya, Kaysone Soukhavong, Phayvanh Louanglath, Sounthalay Saysongkham, Kita Sysavanh, Visay Phaphouvaninh and Sisomphone Sathongyot.
Nhan dan
