Vietnam off to flying start with 7-0 rout of Singapore

It was a lopsided game in favour of Vietnam as coach Dinh The Nam's side went three goals in front before adding four others in the second half to climb top of the group with a goal difference of +7, ahead of Thailand who edged past Singapore 3-1 the previous three days.

Vietnam needed only three minutes to open the scoring with Van Tung rising up to head home Dung Quang Nho's cross.

Goalkeeper Y Eli Nie prevented Singapore from equalising by blocking Ilhan Fandi's close-range header right at the goal-line nine minutes later.

Vietnam missed out on their second goal in the 29th minute when Mai Xuan Quyet could not beat Singapore goalkeeper Ridwan Firki. However, it took them just four more minutes to do so with Dinh Xuan Tien driving a skillful curler from outside the box to double their advantage.

Van Tung handed Vietnam a comfortable 3-0 lead into halftime latching onto Tran Van Thang's convenient cross and slotting it into the empty net a few minutes before the break.

Vietnam remained the dominant side throughout the second half pouring constant pressure on the Singaporean goal.

Given that fact, it came as little surprise when Dinh The Nam's troops extended their advantage to five goals thanks to successful attempts by Dung Quang Nho (56') and substitute Nguyen Ngoc Thang (78').

Singapore's nightmare did not stop until stoppage time as Thanh Khoi netted a double within just six minutes (89', 90'+5) to seal a resounding 7-0 triumph for Vietnam.

With such a fantastic start, Vietnam are now sitting on top of Group C, above Thailand on goal difference. The two teams will meet on February 22 to vie for the group's solitary direct berth to the semi-final round.

(Source: NDO)