Hosts U21 Vietnam on October 13 crushed their weaker Singaporean rivals 6-1 in their opening game of the International U21 Football Tournament at Pleiku stadium in the Central Highlands.
Backed by more than 7,000 spectators, host players started with more excitement, applying the pressing tactic in the hope of dominating the game.
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| Vietnamese players celebrate their winning goal (Photo:vff) |
Song Lam Nghe An striker Dinh Bao scored two goals for Vietnam in less than 10 minutes, after receiving ball from his Song Lam Nghe An team mates Dinh Hoang and Phi Son.
Shortly before the first half ended, The Cuong was fouled in the penalty box, and Hoang Thinh did not miss the chance to extend Vietnam’s lead.
After the interval, Vietnamese players looked comfortable, slowing down the tempo. Singaporean players took advantage of the chance to narrow the scoring gap with midfielder Shannon Stevens’ header.
However, the visiting players, mostly U17 nationals, were not so strong enough to repel their hosts’ attacks.
Dinh Bao completed his perfect hat-trick on 83 minutes before substitute Huu Khoi slotted the ball into the Singaporean net.
Striker Dinh Bao marked his unforgettable day with his fourth goal in a single game before the referee blew the last whistle.
Vietnam will clash against Thailand in the last Group A match on October 17.
In another group B match the same day, U21 Malaysia outplayed their Lao rivals 4-2.
The tournament, competing for the Thanh Nien Newspaper Cup 2012, has attracted Singapore, Thailand, and the hosts Vietnam in Group A, and Malaysia, Laos, and Sydney FC from Australia in Group B.
