Men’s football at the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games

Vietnam edge past Myanmar to climb to top of Group A

Vietnam narrowly beat Myanmar 1-0 at Viet Tri Stadium on the evening of May 13 to climb to the top spot of Group A in the 31st SEA Games men’s football event.

Captain Do Hung Dung scores to gift Vietnam a crucial 1-0 win against Myanmar. (Photo: NDO)
Captain Do Hung Dung scores to gift Vietnam a crucial 1-0 win against Myanmar. (Photo: NDO)

Captain Do Hung Dung was on target in the second half to gift Park Hang-seo’s troops a much-needed win which brings them closer to a place in the semi-final round.

The two teams produced a strong start to the match targeting a positive result to be able to self-determine their destiny ahead of the last matchday this weekend.

The opening minutes saw tit-for-tat attacks from both sides with forward Nguyen Tien Linh firing two successive headers on goal which were comfortably stopped by Myanmar goalkeeper Pyae Phyo Thu.

Vietnam maintained their offensive pressure, but Myanmar’s solid defence made it difficult for the hosts to create any clear-cut opportunities.

Ly Cong Hoang Anh tested goalie Pyae Phyo Thu with a long-range strike in the 36th minute before Nguyen Tien Linh powered a header from Do Hung Dung’s cornerkick that was thwarted by a Myanmar player.

Midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc is one of the outstanding Vietnamese players during the match. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)

After the break, Vietnam coach Park Hang-seo put decided to rest Vu Tien Long and deployed Le Van Do, while the Myanmar side also made a substitution with Win Moe Kyaw coming off the bench.

Upon appearing on the field, Le Van Do immediately proved his value by sending a favourable pass to Nguyen Hoang Duc whose shot afterwards was denied by goalkeeper Pyae Phyo Thu.

Vietnam created several chances to score in the following minutes, with Le Van Do being thwarted by the Myanmar keeper and Nguyen Hoang Duc blasting a shot over the crossbar.

It was not until the 77th minute that the deadlock was broken. Nguyen Hoang Duc chipped a delightful through ball to Le Van Do bursting down on the right flank before the substitute sent a clever pass to unmarked Do Hung Dung inside the box, who placed a shot at the far corner to open the scoring for Vietnam.

Captain Do Hung Dung scores to gift Vietnam a crucial 1-0 win against Myanmar. (Photo: NDO)

With time running out, Myanmar pushed hard to seek for an equaliser, but Park’s troops defended solidly to preserve the advantage until the last whistle.

The crucial victory helped Vietnam surpass Indonesia to top Group A with seven points after three matches, one clear of Indonesia and Myanmar.

Earlier on Friday, the Philippines officially concluded their 31st SEA Games campaign after losing 0-4 to Indonesia.

Vietnam will play their last Group A match against Timor Leste on May 15, while Myanmar will take on Indonesia on the same day. The results of these two clashes will decide the overall holders of the two semi-final berths from the group.

On the stands of Viet Tri Stadium, Vietnamese fans burst with joy after the home side claim the victory. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)