Thai coach ok with draw against Vietnam

"It's a really good result. I am satisfied," Sritaro said at the post-match conference.

"Thailand finished the group stage on top, just as planned."

Coach Issara Sritaro gives instructions during the SEA Games group stage match between Thailand and Vietnam in Cambodia, May 11, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa

Both Vietnam and Thailand had qualified for the semifinals after winning all their previous three matches. Thailand were the group's topper thanks to goal difference.

They entered the game in firm manners, and opened the scoring in the third minute. Achitpol Keereerom dribbled past goalkeeper Doan Huy Hoang before finishing into the empty net after defender Luong Duy Cuong slipped.

But in the second half, some substitutions allowed Vietnam to press Thailand and they found the equalizer in the 54th minute. Le Quoc Nhat Nam tapped in successfully after a series of passes and shots started with a freekick.

Thailand had to sub in several key players to maintain the score and secure their top position.

"We played better in the first half, but lost some balance in the second. Anyway, the important thing is Thailand finished the group stage on top and no players were injured," coach Sritaro said.

Thailand will play Myanmar in the semifinals on Saturday.

 

 

Thai coach ok with draw against Vietnam

Thái Lan 1-1 Việt Nam