Vietnam suffer first loss at SEA Games 2015

The Vietnamese football team tasted their first loss at the 28th SEA Games after being defeated by strong opponents Thailand 1-3 in their Group B last match at Bishan Stadium on June 10.
 

Vietnam (in red) lost their group’s leading position to Thailand after being defeated 1-3 in their final group match on Wednesday evening. (Image credit: VNE)

As both team have already secured positions in the semifinals with four wins each, Vietnam and Thailand both saved key players on the substitution bench.

Prior to the match, Vietnam topped Group B thanks to a higher goal difference, an additional draw would have helped Vietnam progress to the semifinals as table winners.

Entering the match, the two teams played solidly making use of long passes. Obviously, Vietnam and Thailand did not want to lose before thinking about defeating their rivals.

Thailand dominated ball possession and created dangerous opportunities against Vietnam.

In the 17th minute, Thailand’s striker Chananan created a golden opportunity to open the scoring, however his shot hit the pole.

Two minutes later, Chananan once again faced goalkeeper Van Tien in a tight angle, but this time the striker’s shot was deflected by the Vietnamese goalkeeper.

After a range of attempts, Thailand opened the scoring thanks to Pakorn’s effort in the 22rd minute. Player No. 14 guided the ball through a series of Vietnamese players before outdoing goalkeeper Van Tien.

Inspired by the goal, Thailand controlled the game with clever ball combination that made it hard for Vietnam to organise attacks.

Vietnam’s attacks seemed to never be good enough to beat Thailand’s solid defensive line.

In the 2nd half, Thailand continued its control of the ball while Vietnam used proactive defensive tactics and was only able to create few opportunities to attack.

In the 51st minute, Thailand almost doubled the lead. Fortunately for Vietnam, Chananan’s attempt was deflected by the pole.

However, a mistake from Tien Dung gave Thailand a penalty shot ten minutes later. Thitiphan doubled the lead with ease using the penalty shot.

Vietnam strengthened efforts to narrow the gap, but with a better strategy Thailand was able to score once again. Tristan Do punished Vietnam’s defensive line with a finish in the 77th minute widening the gap to 3-0 for Thailand.

In the final minutes, Vietnam’s efforts finally paid off with a fabulous volley from striker Thanh Binh in the 90th minute.

However, it was all Vietnam could do as the game ended 1-3 to Thailand. Vietnam lost the group’s leading position to their rivals with 12 points in hand after four wins and one loss.

Vietnam will play Myanmar – Group A winner in the semifinals on Saturday. Thailand’s next opponent will be decided after the last Group A match between Indonesia and hosts Singapore on June 11.

(Source: nhandan.org.vn)