Vietnam off to flying start at international U-21 football tournament

Supported strongly by the home fans, U-21 Vietnam played offensively right from the first whistle and quickly went ahead on 16 minutes with an opener from Dinh Bao.

For the remainder of the game, Myanmar unsuccessfully pushed to equalise but ended up conceding a second goal to Vietnam in second-half stoppage time. Taking a delightful pass in stride, Sy Sam dribbled decisively into the box and fired a clever shot past goalie Pyae Lyan Aung.

In another Sunday game, U-21 Sydney crushed U-21 Singapore 4-1 to top the provisional standings, edging out Vietnam with a better goal difference.

Next up for Vietnam is a meeting with Singapore on October 15, while reigning champions Malaysia are set to play their opener against underdogs Myanmar.

The annual tournament is taking place from October 13 to 23 at Ninh Thuan stadium in central Ninh Thuan province. Five U-21 teams are competing: Vietnam, Malaysia, Sydney, Myanmar and Singapore.

Vietnam were runners-up at last year's event after losing 0-1 to Malaysia in the final match.

(Source: Nhandannewspaperonline)