Thailand, Malaysia draw in Capital Cup
Malaysia drew with Thailand 0-0 in the second match of the Capital Cup football tournament at Hanoi’s Hang Day Stadium on October 12.
It is a disappointing result for Thailand when they will face hosts Vietnam tomorrow, who pocketed three points in a recent win.
Thailand have dominated Southeast Asian football, but their team at the tournament failed against a rival that was considered much weaker.
Malaysia, who lost to Vietnam 0-4 in the first match on Tuesday, proved that they could match the Thais, even though the team’s players are fasting, or eating very little, for Ramadan this month.
The Thais played slowly in their half with Malasian pushing forward. This allowed the Thais to open some quick assaults.
Their first threatening chance came at the 30th minute when Thanongsak Promdad had a free kick, but Malaysian keeper Norazlan Razli saved the shot.
Four minutes later, striker Wuttichai Tatong tested Razli again with a strong straight shot after dodging all the defenders in the penalty box. Razli was on top form again to keep the score at nil all.
The match’s second quarter went to Thailand who dug a hole in the Malaysian defence from the centre and continued to make Razli work hard.
Malaysia had their chance in the second half, but their shots lacked accuracy.
With the draw, each team earned one point. Playing their final match for the tournament, Malaysia have no more chances to increase their points.
Thailand will have to best Vietnam tomorrow if they want to bring the cup home while the hosts need only one point to be the champions, with a bonus of US$10,000 in cash. The second and third place-runners will take $5,000 and $3,000, respectively.
VNS
