Vietnam drop victory against Myanmar at U-21 int'l tournament

Vietnam missed a flying start to the 2016 Thanh Nien Newspaper International U-21 Football Tournament after being held to a 1-1 draw by Myanmar in their Group A opener at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City on December 18.

 

U-21 Vietnam started the match on a better note, with scoring chances constantly given to Xuan Manh and Duc Chinh; however, a brilliant performance by the Myanmar goalkeeper prevented Vietnamese strikers from netting the ball during the first half.

The narrow lead encouraged the Vietnamese side to play on the front foot with time running out. However, the defensive line’s distracted concentration in the final minutes of play enabled Yan Naing Oo to tie up the game and secure a precious point for Myanmar.

 

In the Group B opener earlier the same day, U-21 Thailand made light work of U-21 Gangwon crushing the Republic of Korea side with a score of 6-2.

 

The annual tournament has brought together six teams, with the host country represented by two teams, including U-21 Vietnam and U-21 Hoang Anh Gia Lai.

 

The four invitees are U-21 Thailand, U-21 Myanmar, U-21 Gangwon and U-21 Yokohama (Japan).

 

U-21 Vietnam have been drawn in Group A along with U-21 Myanmar and U-21 Yokohama, while the remainders make up of Group B.

 

The participants are playing in a group-stage round robin tournament to decide the top two teams from each group for the semifinals.

 

Next up for U-21 Vietnam will be a clash against U-21 Yokohama on December 22, while U-21 Hoang Anh Gia Lai will play U-21 Thailand and U-21 Gangwon on December 20 and 22 respectively.