* Duc Chinh heads Vietnam past Singapore for fourth consecutive win
The fourth consecutive win has helped Park Hang-seo’s maintain their reign at the top of Group B with 12 points and a goal difference of +13, ahead of Indonesia (nine points, goal difference of +11) and Thailand (nine points, goal difference of +10).
On the last matchday of the group stage, Vietnam will play a tough game against archrivals Thailand, while Indonesia take on underdogs Laos.
Here following are some possible scenarios for the last group matches tomorrow, which, if become true, will send Vietnam U22s through to the last four in the Philippines.
Scenario #1: Vietnam secure a draw or a win against Thailand
With their three-point lead at top of the group, Vietnam will make sure to progress into the semifinals as the Group B winners if they manage to earn a draw or a victory against Thailand.
In case of a tie, Thailand will have to wait for the result of the match between Indonesia and Laos to know whether they advance or not. Akira Nishino’s troops will only make the last four if Indonesia lose against the Lao side.
Scenario #2: Indonesia held or defeated by Laos
If Indonesia miss out on a victory against Laos, Vietnam will be guaranteed a top-two finish in the group, thus qualifying for the semifinals regardless of the result of their clash against Thailand.
Scenario #3: Vietnam lose against Thailand with a one-goal margin
In the case Vietnam are beaten by Thailand, the situation in Group B will become complicated, as the two teams will be level on points and will have to take into account their goal difference to decide which team are above-placed in the group.
If Park’s side are defeated with only a one-goal margin, they will make it through to the last four, because at that time, Vietnam will outscore Thailand in terms of the goal difference (12:11).
If Vietnam lose the match with a margin of two goals or more, they will be surpassed by Thailand in the group standings, leaving their fate dependent on the result of the Indonesia-Laos clash. If Indonesia are held or defeated by Laos, Vietnam will advance as the group’s runners-up.
