Narrow victory lifts U-19 Vietnam to finals

Thailand played better in the opening 10 minutes, but Vietnam soon took control of the match and deprived the Thai team of any opportunities to score.

U-19 Vietnam created three concrete chances to break the deadlock between the 17th to 21st minute, however, Van Son and Quang Hai could not beat Thai goalkeeper, Peerapong Ruennin, whose excellence played a crucial part in keeping Thailand's net clean in the first-half.

Thailand continued to play on the defence during the second half after their captain Chenrop Samphaodi was sent off for his 50th-minute second yellow, which made it difficult for the Vietnamese players to approach the Thai goal.

U-19 Vietnam immediately adapted to Thailand's disadvantage, delivering long-range strikes and taking advantage of free-kick situations, one of which was successfully converted into a goal.

From a 71st-minute free-kick situation, Xuan Truong passed the ball to Van Son, who then dashed into the penalty area and challenged the Thai goalie with two continuous strikes. His rebound shot hit off of two Thai defenders and went into the net, driving the Vietnamese fans at Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium wild.

All that stand between U-19 Vietnam and the championship title now is U-19 Myanmar, who crushed U-19 Malaysia 3-0 in the first semi-final game earlier the same day.

(Source: Nhandan Online)