Nation bows out of Games on penalties

Vietnam failed to extend their 12-year winning streak over Myanmar after losing 3-1 to their unfancied rivals on a penalty shootout last night at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games semi-final in Thailand.

Goalkeeper Kyaw Zin Htet blocked two Vietnamese shots while Nguyen Vu Phong shot over the bar to give Myanmar their first-ever victory over Vietnam and their first spot in an SEA Games final.

The two teams played to a scoreless draw after extra time. Full time saw each side taking charge of one half of the game, with Vietnam commanding the first.

Captain Le Cong Vinh was the only Vietnamese to land a goal during penalties, and To Vinh Loi – who kept Vietnam”s net clear up until extra time – could only manage to save one penalty.

In the last five meetings between the two teams since they met for the first time, at the 18th SEA Games in Thailand”s Chiangmai 12 years ago, Vietnam has won every time, including the semi-final in 1995 during which Vietnam beat Myanmar by a golden goal.

But last night, the Vietnamese players could not repeat that success and failed to fulfil their target of bringing home their first SEA Games gold medal.

The first 10 minutes at Municipality Stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima saw Myanmar pressing on Vietnam”s field to take the command while the Vietnamese players were confused about their pace.

Myanmar were confident in the midfield. Their midfielders were supportive of the strikers, setting up plenty of opportunities to score. However, their attacks were not sharp Co enough to beat Loi.

The Vietnameses were defensive but still managed to get through to Myanmar”s goal with striker Phan Thanh Binh missing twice to score in four minutes between 10th and 14th.

The midfield trio – Phong, Phung Cong Minh and Le Tan Tai put the team in rhythm after the first 15 minutes with their synchronised play.

The later half saw Myanmar capitalising on their physical strength, which was Vietnam”s weakness, especially in the midfield. Most of the Vietnamese attacks were broken in the middle of the field.

Vinh still managed break into the Myanmar”s penalty box and almost scored late in the match. Vietnam”s two-time Golden Ball titlist made a solo through the Myanmar”s defence to shoot from close range, but his shot hit inside the bar to bounce back in the field.

The Myanmar midfielders made the most of Vu Nhat Tan”s weakness on the left post to get through to Loi”s goal. That resulted in Loi”s unforced mistake, which cost him a yellow booking and a penalty in the last minute. But Loi corrected his mistake, blocking Si Thu Than”s shot.

The extra time was slow, as both sides were cautious.

Alfred Riedl”s new defensive 4-5-1 lineup helped Vietnam play through the extra time against their physically stronger rivals who, however, were not sharp in their finishing.

But Marcos Falopa”s side was successful in the penalty shootout when captain Zaw Htet Aung, striker Yazzar Win Thein and Myo Min Tun each beat Loi to take their side through to the final where they will meet host Thailand who beat Singapore 3-0.

Loi could only block Tun Tun Win”s penalty while his teammates Mai Xuan Hop”s and Long Giang”s shots were pushed out by Zin Htet.

VNS