Vietnam’s U23 football team defeated Singapore with an overwhelming score of 4-1 in the first semi-final match Monday night and snagged a ticket to the final at the 25th SEA Games in Laos.
Vietnam had a successful match against Singapore. Photo by Manh Hoang.
As major title contender Thailand had already been stopped after the group stage, Vietnam and Singapore both stood before a great chance to champion the tournament.
Therefore, the two teams entered the match with a decisive attitude. Vietnam had more ball possession during the first 20 minutes or so, but Singapore scored first at the 28th minute with a goal by Bin Nizam.
Singapore’s joy did not last long. Only four minutes later, Thanh Binh equalised for Vietnam with a header from Thanh Hung’ free kick.
Thanh Binh celebrates his goal. Photo by Manh Hoang.
Three minutes before the break, Thanh Hung made a wonderful pass for Mai Tien Thanh to bring back the advantage to Vietnam. 2-1 to the team in white.
After the re-start, Vietnam was increasing the pressure and had many chances. On 70 minutes, Chu Ngoc Anh fired home a light but unstoppable ball, making it 3-1 for his team.
The second half was added with 4 minutes of extra time, and on the last extra minute, Nguyen Ngoc Anh sealed the victory with a wonderful drive.
The last opponent for Vietnam in this tournament will be Malaysia, who defeated Laos 3-1 in the second semi-final match that took place later on the same night.
Vietnam and Malaysia already met in the group stage, where Vietnamese players proved too good for their opponents, thrashing them by 3 goals to 1.
