Vietnam's U-23 football team came from behind to trounce U-23
Philippines 3-1 in their opening football game at the 26th Southeast
Asian (SEA) Games at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Nov. 3.
Vietnam
started the match confidently and produced various attacks but could
not breach the Philippines' strong defence. Meanwhile the Philippines
played slowly but surely, waiting for chances to attack.
In the
15th minute, Vietnam created a dangerous situation in the Philippines'
penalty area, however, captain Thanh Luong's shot hit a Filipino
defender. After that, Vietnam dominated the match.
Wonderful
opportunities came to Vietnam in the 18th, 23rd and 29th minute,
however, strikers Van Quyet and Van Thang failed to score any goals.
In the 38th minute, from a simple pass, Manuel Ott scored the opener for the Philippines.
Right
after the restart, Vietnam brought pressure to bear on the Philippines
to equalise. They dominated the game in the first minutes of the second
half.
In the 47th minute, Vietnam had the chance to level the
score but they failed. From a free kick in the right wing, Hoang Thien's
header hit the crossbar.
In the 59th minute, Luong, who is best
known for his performances in the 2008 ASEAN Football Federation AFF –
Suzuki Cup that helped Vietnam win their first title, moved to catch the
pass from his teammate, however, his shot was saved by the Philippines'
goalkeeper Roland Muller.
Only one minute later, the Hanoi ACB player had the chance to face Muller once again but Muller impeded successfully.
In
the 61st minute, from a pass in the left wing of Thang, fullback
Filipino Matthew Hartmann headed into his own net. Thanks to this
action, Vietnam equalised the score 1-1.
In the 70th minute Thien
fired the second goal from his teammate's excellent pass. Vietnam
continued to dominate the game and created several chances to score
goals. And in the first minute of injury time, Quyet scored the third
goal for Vietnam.
At the ASEAN Football Championship AFF-Suzuki Cup last year, Vietnam lost to the Philippines 2-0.
The
team has been drawn in an easy group with Myanmar, the Philippines,
Laos, East Timor and Brunei. Vietnam will meet Myanmar on Nov. 5./.