Nguyen Tien Linh (No. 22) celebrates after scoring the leveling goal for Vietnam in the match against Thailand on December 5 (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s U22sadvanced to the semifinals of the 30th SEA Games men’s football after making aremarkable comeback draw against Thailand on December 5.
Shortly after the match at Binan stadium in thePhilippines began, Thailand scored two continuous goals at the fifth and 11thminutes.
However, at the 15th minute, Nguyen Tien Linh ofVietnam broke through three Thai defenders in the box to head the ball in froma cross in the left wing.
In the second half, Vietnam were awarded apenalty kick after Linh had been fouled inside the area. Although Huynh TanSinh’s penalty was denied by Nont Muangnam, Vietnam retook the kick as the Thaigoalkeeper had moved in front of the line before Sinh touched the ball.
This time, Linh made no mistake with hispenalty, decisively driving the ball to his left to beat Muangnam at the 72ndminute.
Holding Thailand to a 2-2 draw is enough forVietnam to secure the top position of Group B and go further in the tournament.
The team of head coach Park Hang-seo will playCambodia, which rank second in Group A, on December 7, the same day with theother semifinal between Indonesia, which are in Group B’s second place, and GroupA’s top team Myanmar./.
VNA
