Under-18 lose 2-0 in friendly in Laos

The Vietnamese under-18 football team lost 2-0 to Under-20 Laos in a friendly in Vientiane, Laos, on July 24.

The newspaper said that the Vietnamese team were unlucky as they were denied by the woodwork on three occasions.

Coach Nguyen Van Hai lined up a defensive formation with the Vietnam under-18s playing against more physical opponents.

With more players in midfield, the Vietnamese team controlled the game but went down after a counter attack from Laos on 18 minutes.

Ngoc Manh fouled Xang Nha in the penalty box and Laos under-20s made no mistakes in converting the spot kick.

The Vietnamese side came close to equalising two minutes from half time, when The Cuong hit the wrong side of the crossbar. Tien Duy collected the rebound but shot straight at the Laotian goalie.

After the break, the Vietnamese side continued their quest for the equaliser, but luck still eluded them.

Three minutes after the hour mark, Ngoc Son powered a shot, which hit the post, leaving the Laotian goalie flat-footed.

One minute from time, Keo Vi Xuyen doubled the lead for the hosts.

Van Tho was also unlucky when he shot against the crossbar in the dying seconds.

Nhan dan