|
Vietnam need just one point from their last match against Cambodia on Dec. 11 to enter the men’s football semifinals at the 25th SEA Games in Laos.
 |
| Vietnam striker Phan Thanh Binh (front) celebrates his opening goal in the Vietnam vs. Malaysia game on December 6. Vietnam won 3-1. |
They went to seven points and top of group A after beating Malaysia 3-1 at the National Stadium on December 6.
In the group, Thailand are on four points and Malaysia are on three with two matches to go for each.
Vietnam and Malaysia began with great urgency since they both needed full points from the game.
In the ninth minute, Thanh Binh scored from a penalty after Malaysian midfielder Fakri Saarani handled in the box.
In the 25th minute Thanh Hung caught the Malaysian defense napping with a through ball and an alert Mai Tien Thanh latched on to the pass and easily beat onrushing goalkeeper Mohd Farizah Marlias.
The Malaysians were fortunate to reduce the deficit almost instantly, thanks to an own goal by Vo Hoang Quang.
Fakri Saarani broke loose on the right and crossed into the box where the Vietnamese defender surprisingly nodded the ball past his own goalkeeper Bui Tan Truong.
Malaysian’s hopes of qualifying took a blow when Nguyen Trong Hoang scored Vietnam’s third goal in injury time in the second half.
Vietnam take on Cambodia on December 11.
Thailand play East Timor on the 8th and Malaysia in their last match on the 11th.
The Vietnamese women demolished Malaysia 8-0 in their first match at the National University stadium on December 6.
They are a point behind Thailand, who drew with Myanmar on the same day, but with a game in hand.
Malaysia and Laos complete the tournament which is being played on round robin basis with the two top qualifying for the final.
Vietnam play Myanmar on the 8th, Thailand on the 11th, and Laos two days later.
Related news:
Pressure on Vietnam to take down Malaysia
|
Men’s football ranking at the 25th SEA Games
Until December 7 |
|
Group A |
|
Team |
Played |
Win |
Draw |
Lose |
Points |
|
Vietnam |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
|
Thailand |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
|
Malaysia |
2 |
1 |
|
1 |
3 |
|
Cambodia |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
|
East Timor |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Group B |
|
Indonesia |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Singapore |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Laos |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Myanmar |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 | | 
