Vietnam tops group at U22 AFF Championship, in semis

By Quang Huy   February 21, 2019 | 05:20 am PT
Vietnam tops group at U22 AFF Championship, in semis
Vietnam's U22 team (in red) had may chances to score but couldn't during their match against Thailand Thursday. Photo by VnExpress/Anh Le
A goalless draw against Thailand has helped Vietnam to the top spot in group A at the U22 AFF Championship.

Both teams had already advanced to the last four, so the game on Thursday afternoon was only a fight for the group’s top spot. But both coaches fielded their strongest squads.

Vietnam dominated the whole game with many shots and much higher possession. But they failed to convert all the chances they created.

The weather in Cambodia, where the match was played, was too hot and both teams had to take a short break to rehydrate themselves.

The weather was so tiring that the Thai players were wilting after just 30 minutes on the field, and had to sub out two players in the first half. Vietnamese players showed more strength and won most of the duels on the field.

In the second half, Vietnam continued to dominate the game with attacking play, but Thailand fought back with their own attacks and strong tackles on Vietnamese strikers. The referee handed out no yellow card, though.

Towards the end, players on both sides were so tired that not many scoring chances were created. The game ended goalless with Vietnam dominating and Thailand unable to get a shot at the goal throughout.

Vietnam’s semifinal opponent will be decided after the last games in group B on Friday. Indonesia, Malaysia or Myanmar will take the second spot and face Vietnam in the next round. Cambodia and Thailand will meet in the other semifinal.

 
 
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