Vietnam beat Thailand in U21 Int’l Tourney
Vietnam easily defeated Thailand 2-0 in their last group match of the Thanh Nien (Youth) Newspaper International U21 Football Championships in the Central Highland province of Gia Lai on October 17.
Having secured a place in the semi-finals, head coach Dinh Van Dung gave five reseve players a run out during the match.
The hosts controlled the match from the kick-off, and had a chance to open the scoring in the 35th minute, but Nguyen Huu Khoi’s shot was blocked by the Thai goalkeeper.
With the half time fast approaching, Nguyen Dinh Bao pounced to put Vietnam into a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Thailand went on the search for an equaliser, but conceded a penalty following a handball in the 65th minute, which Ngo Hoang Thinh expertly dispatched.
The win helps Vietnam top Group A and will meet Australia while second place Thailand will face Malaysia in the semi-finals on October 19.